JLGC held a reception in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan welcoming back former JETs, at the end of their contracts in August 2013, at the magnificent venue of Asia House in London’s West End. About 150 guest attending the reception including guests from the Japanese community and Japan related organisations in the UK who heard from various guests about the importance of JET to UK – Japan relations, including Minister Plenipotentiary at the Embassy of Japan to the UK Mr Akio Miyajima, Chairman of the Japan Society and former UK Ambassador to Japan Sir David Warren KCMG and Director of the Developed Markets at UK Trade and Industry Paula Freedman.
Sarah Parsons JETAA National Careers and Networking Coordinator gave a presentation to the gathered audience on what they could do to support Japan related careers, to strengthen economic links between the two countries, while Fiona Steele Chair of JETAA gave a speech on the importance of keeping links with JET after returning to the UK and what can be got out of volunteering. JETAA have a range of career supporting activities such as a newly launched mentoring system of ex JETs in various sectors who can counsel the newly returned from Japan about getting into particular careers, as well as those who have been back a while looking for a change. Other activities include a series of career events sponsored and hosted by partner organisations in different sectors, providing information about internships and training, and an online database of Japan related positions currently looking to be filled.
jetaa2JETAA Midlands also held a welcome back reception in October co-hosted by the Asia Business Centre at the University of Nottingham. This event was a networking opportunity for all Japan related organisations in the area, with talks and presentations by local businesses and lecturers about their Japan experience, and an address by the vice chancellor of the university. Attendees included other local Japan related businesses, members from the Japanese business community plus ex-JETS discussing using their JET experience for careers as well as supporting others looking for careers advice or wanting to re-connect with Japan. JLGC supported the event as well as there being attendance by Embassy of Japan staff.
While in Japan, JET participants are placed with a local authority which is their employer. Participants sign a one-year contract, which can be renewed up to four times, for a maximum of five years. Many JETs return to the UK with skills and experiences valuable to UK organisations, whether private or public sector, looking to strengthen links with Japan, or enter the Japanese market.
Since the start of the programme over 10,000 UK participants have taken part, with nearly 6,000 registered with the alumni association. In recent years the alumni association has been particularly active in looking for new partners, for the support of JET alumni in Japan related careers as well as others. JETAA is currently looking for mentors, internships, speakers at events, and opportunities for using the alumni network. www.jetaa.org.uk
