Promoting Diverse Workstyles for Women: Chugoku Bank Selected for Okayama Prefecture's Regional Digital Talent Development Project

Chugoku Bank (Headquartered in Okayama, President: Sadanori Kato) has announced that the "Okayama Prefecture Regional Digital Women Talent Development and Employment Support Consortium"—comprised of C-Cube Consulting, MAIA, PwC Consulting, and Chugoku Bank—has been commissioned by Okayama Prefecture to execute the "FY2026 Regional Digital Women Talent Development and Employment Support Project."

In conjunction with this, recruitment for the "Okayama Digital Girls Project" commenced on May 28. This initiative provides integrated support for women residing in Okayama Prefecture, ranging from digital skill acquisition to the creation of employment opportunities. It aims to build a mechanism for supplying talent that addresses the digital challenges faced by regional companies.

1. Background and Objectives Okayama Prefecture faces a significant challenge with the outflow of young women to urban areas due to income disparities and limited career choices. This project builds a "Regional Talent Platform" to match women seeking employment with high-demand digital skills (such as SAP and AI) to corporate needs. By promoting flexible workstyles and increasing income potential, the project aims to create an environment where women can build long-term careers while remaining in the region.

2. Program Details - Recruitment Period: Until July 31, 2026 - Curriculum: Business skills, SAP (Core systems), AI utilization, App development, and Microsoft Office. - Eligibility: Women aged 18+ residing in Okayama Prefecture with a PC/Wi-Fi environment. - Capacity: 25 participants - Tuition: Free - Training Period: September 1, 2026 – January 8, 2027