S. Korea Targets 100,000 Youth Jobs in $541M Training Push

YONHAP/APP

Seoul: The government on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive support package for young job seekers, including a new vocational training initiative led by major conglomerates.

The plan, announced by Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, is expected to benefit around 100,000 young people, backed by a total investment of 800 billion won (approximately $541 million), according to the finance ministry.

The initiative comes as the country faces persistently weak youth employment figures. In the first quarter of the year, the youth employment rate stood at 43.5%, the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the number of unemployed individuals in their 20s and 30s reached 1.71 million.

Under the program, major business groups, including Samsung Group and Hyundai Motor, will introduce new vocational training courses in key sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

The ministry said the program will prioritize vulnerable youth, particularly long-term unemployed individuals aged between 15 and 34.

“Participation is expected not only from the top 10 conglomerates but also from up to the top 30 business groups,” said Lee Joo-sueb.

According to officials, each training course will run for at least 400 hours, or more than three months, with companies already expressing interest in training approximately 12,000 participants.

In addition, the government will offer work experience opportunities to 23,000 young people across the public and private sectors, enabling them to gain practical skills.

A separate recovery program will support 11,000 individuals in reentering society and the workforce, providing assistance from counseling to job placement.

The ministry added that redesigned employment support initiatives will help a further 44,000 young people in their job search and career development.