[2021 National Audit] Chairman Responds "Worth Considering" to Question on 'Polytechnic University Transition to Ministry of Industry Affiliated Agency'

October 15 Labor and Employment Committee Audit of Ministry of Employment and Labor Affiliates

Im Ija: "Need Demand-Centered Education (Companies) to Prepare for Industrial Restructuring"

In Response to Im's Question on 'Transfer of Ministry of Employment and Labor Affiliates to Ministry of Industry', Chairman Jo Jaehee Says "There Are Factors Worth Considering"

On the 15th, at the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee's audit held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Oh Soo-bong, President of the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (from the left), Park Doo-yong, President of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Kang Soon-hee, President of the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service, and Cho Hyang-hyun, President of the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled, attended. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] On the 15th, during the National Assembly audit, there was a suggestion that the Polytechnic University, currently under the Ministry of Employment and Labor, should be transferred to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The Polytechnic University also responded, "There are elements worth considering." As social demands increase to create "quality jobs" in response to low-carbon and digital industrial restructuring, vocational training institutions must also be completely revamped so that companies can hire people in a timely manner.

Im Eija, a member of the Environment and Labor Committee of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, said at the Ministry of Employment and Labor's affiliated agency audit held by the Environment and Labor Committee that day, "Currently, supply-centered vocational education is being conducted, so many prefer large companies' vocational training academies over Polytechnic University," and asked, "At the very least, I think Polytechnic University should be transferred from the Ministry of Employment and Labor to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. What is your view on this?"

In response, Cho Jaehee, chairman of the Polytechnic University board, said, "I think that is an element worth considering," and added, "There is no doubt that we have produced supply-centered industrial manpower for the past 50 years. Now, according to new trends due to industrial changes, we are reorganizing programs and departments and restructuring according to market and industrial changes."

When Representative Im asked, "'Employment and labor are managed together, so it is called the Ministry of Employment and Labor, but how does the Ministry of Employment and Labor create jobs?" and "It is correct that companies create jobs, so I think the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy should regulate Polytechnic University," Chairman Cho replied, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy are both part of the same government."

When Representative Im asked again, "If there is a change of administration or such, isn't it necessary to change vocational education and training from a supply-centered to a demand-centered approach?" Chairman Cho said, "I agree." He continued, "I believe the Ministry of Employment and Labor's policy has shifted significantly from labor-centered to employment-centered," and added, "Currently, Polytechnic University is an affiliated agency of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, but as a researcher, I will review the points you mentioned."