Gwangju Office of Education to Offer New Industry Vocational Education Program for Middle School Students

Experience-Based Programs Featuring Drones, Autonomous Driving, and Semiconductors

On July 20, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education announced that it will operate a job experience program to help middle school students better understand new industries and explore a variety of career paths. First launched last year, this program was designed to promote a positive perception of vocational high schools and to expand opportunities for career planning.

Students participating in the "New Industry Field Middle School Student Job Experience Program" are receiving basic spatial information education using drone aviation technology. Provided by Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education

The program will be held at four hub schools equipped with vocational education infrastructure, including the Vocational Education Support Center Smart Campus, Gwangju Electronics Technical High School, Jeonnam Technical High School, and Gwangju Natural Science High School. Interested students can choose one day in July, October, or December to participate in a three- to four-hour curriculum.

Recently, the Smart Campus offered experiences in semiconductor manufacturing processes, collaborative robots, autonomous driving, and IoT. Gwangju Electronics Technical High School provided education on hybrid and electric/autonomous vehicles. Jeonnam Technical High School offered classes related to IoT drones, architecture, and chemical engineering. In October and December, Gwangju Natural Science High School will also join the program, introducing four additional courses in urban agriculture, companion animals, baking and pastry, and Eastern and Western cuisine.

Superintendent Lee Jungseon stated, "We are moving beyond traditional industry-focused vocational education to realize education that aligns with the trends of the times," and added, "We will provide practical career education opportunities for both middle school and vocational high school students so they can respond to the era of AI-based new industries."