Training Specialized Technical Personnel for New Industries... 12 Specialized Colleges Receive 12 Billion KRW Support

Development of Industry Education Programs and Adoption of Flexible Academic Systems Needed
4-5 Schools in the Capital Area and 7-8 Schools in Provinces to Be Selected

Strategies for Promoting the Industry-Specific Leading Specialized College Support Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Ministry of Education will provide 12 billion KRW to specialized colleges starting this year to cultivate professional technical personnel in new industry sectors.

On the 4th, the Ministry of Education announced the 'Basic Plan for the Support Project for Specialized Leading Colleges in New Industry Sectors,' newly launched this year. This support project aims to nurture specialized talents who are flexible to changes and reflect the demands of the field amid the increasing demand for new industry talents.

Specialized colleges analyze the characteristics of their departments, regionally specialized new industries, and local industries to select one specialized new industry sector and establish a department (major) operation plan, which the Ministry of Education evaluates to support workforce development.

Universities wishing to participate must restructure the curriculum in connection with the industry and develop new courses to cultivate talents in the specialized new industry sector. To enhance educational effectiveness, they must develop teaching methods, strengthen faculty capabilities, and promote flexible academic operations. They should also equip the latest equipment and establish a governance system linking industry, academia, research, and government to expand communication.

Support System for Leading Specialized Colleges in New Industry Fields (Source: Ministry of Education)

The Ministry of Education plans to select 12 universities as project targets and initially support each with 1 billion KRW this year, totaling 12 billion KRW. The project period is three years. Considering the diversity of new industry sectors and regional distribution, 4 to 5 universities in the metropolitan area and 7 to 8 universities in other regions will be selected.

The Ministry of Education will announce the project on its website on the 5th, hold an explanatory session within this month, and accept preliminary applications next month. The selection of supported universities will be completed by May.

Jung Jong-cheol, Vice Minister of Education, said, "In a situation where the internal and external conditions of specialized colleges are continuously changing due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the decline in school-age population, this will be an opportunity for specialized colleges to actively respond to changes in new industries."