Japan construction firm Rentec recruits students to combat plastering labor shortage

The construction company Rentec, based in Sendai, Japan, is actively recruiting young people to combat a severe labor shortage and an aging workforce in the plastering profession. To attract interest, CEO Teisuke Tsunoda has been visiting high schools and universities, such as Tohoku Bunka Gakuen University, to provide hands-on experience with professional tools.

Japan is facing a significant decline in skilled plasterers. According to 2020 census data, the number of plasterers in the country fell to approximately 59,900, a 60% decrease from 152,300 in 2000. This decline is driven by retiring older workers and a lack of young people entering the field. Additionally, the industry faces competition from cheaper, faster alternatives like vinyl wallpaper.

Despite the shortage, wages remain competitive. Data indicates an average annual salary of approximately 5.11 million yen, with experienced workers earning up to 5.74 million yen per year. Rentec aims to preserve traditional techniques that the company asserts cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.