Proposals Based on Existing Training Programs
Utilizing Retired Technicians... Core Skills Training in Welding and More
On-Site Application Cases Centered on U.S. ECO and Philly Shipyards
The three major Korean shipbuilding companies recently submitted workforce training plans to the government aimed at rebuilding the American shipbuilding industry. Each company reportedly proposed local workforce training models based on practical, hands-on education programs currently operated at their own shipyards.
On August 5, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jungkwan appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jongbae's Focus" and said, "(The negotiation team) brought concrete programs on how to train workers in the United States, and President Trump highly appreciated this." He added, "The core of the shipbuilding industry is ship welding, and we proposed to train American workers in these skills. The U.S. side accepted this as a realistic proposal."
On the 31st of last month, when the tariff negotiations between Korea and the United States were concluded, citizens were watching related news in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Yonhap News
Based on these proposals, the government appears to have used the on-site training experience of Korean shipbuilders as a negotiation card. Each company is said to have presented effective workforce training methods and overseas application cases centered on programs already in operation.
HD Hyundai developed a technology transfer plan utilizing its in-house infrastructure, including training facilities at the Ulsan shipyard and the "Root Academy." Retired technicians with more than 10 years of experience in key processes such as welding and assembly currently participate as instructors in the training programs. In June, more than 10 engineers from the U.S.-based ECO Shipyard, a strategic partner, visited Korea for on-site training and workshops.
Hanwha Ocean has dispatched about 50 technicians to Hanwha Philly Shipyard in the United States to provide assembly and quality control training for local workers. The training center at Hanwha Philly Shipyard is currently training about 170 welding apprentices in-house. In addition, during the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier ordered by Hanwha Philly Shipyard last month, some local U.S. workers are scheduled to be deployed to the Geoje Shipyard in Gyeongnam in the future.
Samsung Heavy Industries is reportedly operating its own training programs, including welding instruction for new employees. Industry sources believe that all three companies have proposed specialized workforce training plans to the government based on the education experience accumulated at their respective shipyards.
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