KT Selected as the Best Institution for Small and Medium Enterprise Education

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] KT announced on the 18th that it was selected as the best institution in the performance evaluation of the 'National Human Resources Development Consortium' hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea.

The National Human Resources Development Consortium (CHAMP) is a workforce development project promoted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor since 2001 to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that face difficulties in vocational skill development compared to large corporations.

KT has participated in the project since 2003, marking its 19th year this year. Based on KT's wired and wireless infrastructure and know-how, it conducts job competency training essential for the field, such as construction management and on-site industrial safety management. As of the 18th of this month, the cumulative number of graduates exceeded 90,500.

From June to November last year, KT conducted four courses including 'Construction Site Industrial Safety Management' and 'Track Construction Management Practice' through non-face-to-face video training for 595 employees of 259 SMEs, and implemented remote VR safety training for major accidents in the telecommunications industry. In a survey conducted among graduates, the average scores based on a 10-point scale were over 9 points for ▲work applicability (9.4 points) and ▲satisfaction (9.3 points).

The 'VR (Virtual Reality) Safety Experience' course, introduced for the first time last year, allowed participants to experience high-risk situations such as falling from telecommunication poles and electric shock accidents in a manner similar to reality. Through this, the training program was designed to raise awareness of work safety and contribute to accident prevention.

In addition, KT plans to open new training courses such as 'AI Application Technologies through Case Studies' and 'Basic Python Programming' this year to strengthen AI capabilities and understanding of SMEs in line with the transition from a telecommunications company to a digital platform company, 'Digico.'

Jinyoung Shim, Head of KT Group Talent Development Office (Executive Director), said, “Through participation in the 'National Human Resources Development Consortium,' a model of win-win cooperation, KT will breathe and grow together with SMEs.” He added, “As Korea’s leading digital platform company, KT will not only strive to enhance SME competitiveness and nurture talent but also lead changes in customers’ lives and innovation in other industries.”