JET Programme Recruitment and University Visits
JLGC staff attended a number of events at universities throughout the UK in October and November, in the run up to the deadline for this year’s Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme 2015 summer recruitment drive.
The JET Programme is the Japanese government sponsored scheme which employs UK graduates in Japanese local authorities, in state schools as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) or Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) in town and city halls, as well as prefectural headquarters. Over 60,000 graduates from all backgrounds have taken part in the JET Programme since its inception in 1987, including over 10,000 from the UK in the past 25 years.
JLGC staff normally travel the country visiting universities and give presentations to undergraduates, which they do every year, with this year’s staff also attending a number of careers fairs with other postgraduate recruiters and programmes. In summer 2014 over 150 ALTs were newly employed throughout Japan at local schools, as well as seven CIRs in local government offices. Applications run every year with the deadline in late November, with interviews at the Embassy of Japan in the New Year, results released in March and placement information made in April, all before flying out to Japan at the end of July. JLGC would like to thank all the universities and careers service staff for the warm welcomes we received, and wish good luck to all those applying.
More information about JET and life on the programme can be found here
Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Member visit to London (blog item)
In November JLGC supported a study mission to London by Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, examining in particular how to embed a sustainable legacy for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics based on London’s experience of 2012. The group were hosted by Transport for London, who were able to arrange visits to Crossrail, the Emirates cable car in East London and the Hitachi-built Javelin HS1 train between Stratford International and St Pancras. London and Partners arranged for the group to see hub working spaces in East London’s Tech City, while JLGC facilitated site visits to cultural businesses in Shoreditch and the new Francis Crick Institute/MedCity.
As well as inspecting a number of 2012 venues in and around London (courtesy of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Greenwich Leisure Limited and Dorney Lake), the group also visited the Asian Business Port and Silvertown Quays future developments at the Royal Docks. The group also heard about the role of strategic partnerships in regenerating East London at Stratford Renaissance Partnership and investment in community sport at Sport England, before a meeting at the Department for Transport to discuss the UK government’s strategy for aviation in London and the South East. We are also grateful to the Greater London Authority/London LEP for hosting a discussion on the London Mayor’s vision for infrastructure and economic development.
JLGC visit to Holyrood
Director Kazuya Shima and Communications Manager Keith Kelly visited Edinburgh last month to meet with the Consul General, and attend Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Japan, of which JLGC is a member. The Scottish Independence Referendum attracted considerable attention in Japan, with even a delegation visiting from Okinawa (although the possibility of an independent Okinawa is extrememly remote). Consul General Hajime Kitaoka discussed events around and after the referendum with Director Shima at a meeting at the consulate, as well as the prospects for the change of First Minister to Nicola Sturgeon. After the meeting, and transferring to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, it was the first time for JLGC staff to attend the CPG Japan meeting. The CPG promotes trade, cultural, educational and sporting links between Scotland and Japan, and is convened by Alex Johnstone MSP.
This session met to confirm conveners and deputy conveners, and hear from the Asia Scotland Institute about links and plans to promote awareness, understanding and collaboration between Scotland and Asia, to create mutually enriching economic, cultural and educational opportunities, with particular focus on Japan strategy for this meeting. JLGC Director Shima also gave a speech about appreciation and enthusiasm on the Japanese side for strengthening links, and the growing interest in Scotland, especially within Scottish institutions for maintaining a dialogue with Japan. Comments and discussion then turned to various aspects of supporting Japanese language study in Scotland, and how best to get member organisations of the CPG to collaborate in supporting Scotland-Japan links. JLGC would like to thank Alex Johnstone MSP and the group secretary Jim Millar for the invitation to join the meeting, as well as for warmly hosting our stay at the Parliament in Edinburgh.
NALC Conference
Assistant Director Kako Tamura (seconded from Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) and Researcher Ben Preece attend the NALC Larger Councils Conference on Wednesday December 3, 2014. The National Association of Local Governments (NALC) held its Larger Councils conference on 3rd December, on the theme of “defining the policy future for local councils following next May’s general election”.
JLGC staff were in attendance to learn more about what each of the three main political parties has planned for local councils should they win the 2015 election, and also meet with representatives of parish and town councils who gave first-hand accounts of the challenges they face, and the measures they are taking to address them.
In the morning session, Annette Brooke MP (Lib Dems), Andy Sawford MP (Lab) and Oliver Letwin MP (Con, Minster for Government Policy in the Cabinet Office) each gave an introduction to what their parties have in store for local authorities in the event of an election victory next May. Representatives of local councils also had the opportunity to ask them questions, and present their opinions in hope of influencing their proposed policies.
In the afternoon, JLGC staff attended sessions presented by parish and town councils on the following topics:
• “Using Our Place! To Bring Partners Together to Improve Public Services” – Shrewsbury Town Council
• “Beyond Bricks and Mortar: How to Build Community Cohesion” – Campbell Park Parish Council, Milton Keynes
• “How to Shape the Future of Your Area Through Strategic Neighbourhood Plans” – Winslow Town Council, Burgess Hill Town Council, Ferring Parish Council
• “Town Councils Driving Regeneration and Local Economic Development” – Owestry Town Council
There was also a closing speech by Cllr Peter Fleming, Chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) Improvement and Innovation Board, as well as an election for the position of NALC Larger Local Councils Chair.
NALC represents the interests of 95% (9,000) of England’s parish and town councils, many of which are in more rural areas. It actively promotes and supports the creation of new local councils and recently worked with JLGC to provide information on the system of parish governance to the Japan Centre for Cities.
