'Tough and Grueling Work?'... These Days, People in Their 20s Are Lining Up for This Certificate

Challenge of Wallpapering Technician in 20s Doubled in 4 Years
Middle-aged Popularity Rises for 'Jigecha Driver Technician'

Among people in their 20s and 30s, commonly known as the 'MZ generation,' there has been a significant increase in those pursuing certifications that offer 'practical benefits' such as high income and flexible working environments.

[Photo by Yonhap News]

According to the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation on the 16th, the number of applicants for the wallpapering technician practical exam increased from 4,529 in 2018 to 5,230 in 2022. In particular, applicants in their 20s more than doubled from 359 to 782. Those in their 30s also increased from 940 to 1,320. On the other hand, applicants aged 50 and above slightly decreased. Gender analysis showed that female applicants also rose from 1,305 to 1,659.

It is not only wallpapering technicians. The number of people in their 20s and 30s entering jobs traditionally seen as middle-aged livelihood jobs due to physical labor hardships or prejudice is gradually increasing. For example, the proportion of new 20s and 30s fresh managers at hy (formerly Korea Yakult), known as the so-called 'Yakult ajumma,' was 21.1% in 2019 but has increased every year to 27.5% from January to July this year. In the case of Coway's service experts called 'Codi,' who inspect water purifiers, the proportion of new 20s and 30s reached 35% as of May.

The number of people in their 20s and 30s obtaining funeral director certifications has also significantly increased. According to data received by National Assembly member Seo Jeong-sook from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in July, 711 people obtained funeral director certifications in Seoul and Gyeonggi last year, of whom 301 (42.3%) were in their 20s and 30s. This is about 10% higher than the 32% recorded in 2020.

This phenomenon is analyzed as a reflection of the mindset of people in their 20s and 30s who prioritize practical benefits over social status.

[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

On the other hand, the most preferred and frequently attempted certification among middle-aged and older adults is the 'forklift operator technician.' According to the Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation's age group analysis of survey results from 2,172,330 respondents out of 2,177,033 applicants for the national technical qualification written exam last year, among the total 319,675 applicants aged 50 and above, 23,228 applied for the forklift operator technician certification, the highest number. This was followed by Korean cuisine cooking technician (22,449) and excavator operator technician (16,057).