Eight out of Ten Isolated and Reclusive Youth Say "Lack of Vocational Education"

Mu-hyup and Cheongnyeon Foundation Sign Business Agreement to Support Isolated and Reclusive Youth

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) announced on the 1st that it signed a business agreement with the Youth Foundation at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul to support socially isolated and reclusive youth in entering society. Jung Manki, Vice Chairman of KITA, and Jang Yechan, Chairman of the Foundation, signed the agreement.

The Korea International Trade Association and the Youth Foundation signed a business agreement on the 1st at COEX, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul to support socially isolated and reclusive youth in entering society. From the left, Jung Manki, Vice Chairman of KITA, and Jang Ye-chan, Chairman of the Foundation.
[Photo by KITA]

On the same day, KITA held the 'Youth and Young Adult E-commerce Startup School.' It is a six-month program teaching 32 participants. After theoretical education and practical training, participants are supported to directly enter global e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Shopee to start their businesses.

Applicant J said, "Having lived in isolation for nine years, I felt like I was falling behind alone, so I gathered the courage to apply," adding, "My goal is to start a business in the character merchandise field."

A, who failed to enter university due to parental opposition and lived in isolation and seclusion for three years, said, "I want to create a business model that helps youth in similar situations and become independent with pride."

In a special lecture, Vice Chairman Jung Manki stated, "There is a need for social efforts to bring socially isolated and reclusive youth and middle-aged groups into the labor market," and added, "I hope efforts to encourage them to enter the workplace will spread to companies and various socio-economic organizations."

Jung Manki, Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, giving a special lecture at the 'Youth and Middle-aged E-commerce Startup School.' Isolated and reclusive youth, as well as long-term unemployed individuals, attended the lecture.
[Photo by Korea International Trade Association]

KITA released the results of a survey on vocational education targeting 323 socially isolated and reclusive youth. 82.7% of respondents said that vocational education for isolated and reclusive youth is not sufficiently provided.

Previous education they participated in was found to be limited to basic levels such as simple office automation (OA) training (40.6%) and service job certifications like barista (28.9%).

It was identified that socially isolated and reclusive youth most prefer solo entrepreneurship (45.5%) after vocational education. This response rate was higher than employment (32.8%) and joint entrepreneurship (12.7%).

Kim Yongtae, Director of KITA’s Global Training Office, emphasized, "Their demand for employment and entrepreneurship is higher than expected, but tailored education is lacking," adding, "We will spare no effort to provide diverse vocational education and support their emotional independence as well."