Fostering Talent Tailored to Local Industry Needs
Iksan City in North Jeolla Province is launching the 'High School-Industry-Academia-Government Coupling Project' to address the issue of undecided career paths among youth and to nurture customized talent that meets local industry demands.
According to the city on July 16, this project is part of the Special Educational Development Zone initiative and will operate from March 2025 to February 2026 with a budget of 200 million won.
The project targets students from both specialized and general high schools in the region. It offers a variety of programs, including company tours, career and employment camps, education to enhance understanding of local businesses, and the operation of job-specific employment-linked clubs, to support practical career planning and the development of employment strategies.
On July 15, for example, 30 second- and third-year students from the Total Beauty Department at Jingyeong Girls' High School visited three branches of 'idHAIR,' a leading K-beauty company.
During the visits, students experienced store operations, customer service, and the latest hair techniques firsthand, deepening their understanding of the industry environment and related job roles. The program was evaluated as providing real support for career planning and employment strategy development, going beyond simple job shadowing.
The city plans to use this project to broaden students' opportunities for career exploration and to cultivate young talent with practical skills required by local companies, thereby creating a virtuous cycle that increases the local retention rate of youth.
Mayor Jung Heon-yul stated, "This project will provide students with practical opportunities to design a concrete future rather than facing vague career choices," adding, "We will work together with industry, academia, and government to nurture young talent who learn, grow, and settle in the region."
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