Resolving Chungnam's Semiconductor Workforce Shortage with a "Hire First, Train Later" Approach
Recognized as a Leading Model of Government-Industry-Academia Collaboration
The RISE Project Group at Korea University of Technology and Education has drawn attention for its innovative "hire first, train later" model, which has helped resolve the workforce shortage in the semiconductor industry in Chungnam Province.
The university announced on October 29 that it received the Excellence Award in the New Industry category at the "2025 Regional Innovation Best Practices Competition" held at EXCO in Daegu.
This competition, organized by the National Research Foundation of Korea, selected innovative cases in new industry fields-such as artificial intelligence, big data, and semiconductors-linked to regional strategic industries.
The RISE Project Group at Korea University of Technology and Education was highly praised for cultivating field-ready talent in the semiconductor sector, a key industry in Chungnam, and successfully connecting local youth to employment opportunities.
Despite being a hub for the semiconductor industry, Chungnam has continued to face a shortage of skilled high school graduates and persistent employment challenges for vocational high school graduates.
In response, the RISE Project Group collaborated with the Ministry of Education, Chungnam Provincial Government, and Chungnam Office of Education to introduce a "hire first, company-customized training later" program, operating a semiconductor fundamentals course focused 70% on practical training and 30% on theory.
This course was designed to allow participation from non-majors and was accompanied by a comprehensive employment support program, including career counseling, field trips, recruitment briefings, and mock interviews.
As a result, 45 participants secured job offers at major companies such as Hana Micron and SFA Semicon, and the qualification acquisition rate reached 80%.
Through this model, Korea University of Technology and Education has addressed the workforce supply-demand imbalance in the region, establishing itself as a leading example of cooperation among local governments, universities, education offices, and industry.
Lee Kyuman, Head of the RISE Project Group at Korea University of Technology and Education, stated, "This award is the result of collaboration among Chungnam Province, the Chungnam Office of Education, and local companies," adding, "Starting with semiconductors, we will expand this educational model to other strategic industries in Chungnam, such as future mobility and displays."
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