A 41-year-old identified only as A had faced a career-ending crisis after an unexpected accident at a manufacturing site. He found his footing for a comeback through the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (KCCI) "Education Program for Injured Workers." Thanks to a systematic curriculum covering both theory and practical skills, he obtained an electrician's certificate on his first attempt, despite the field being unfamiliar to him. "More than anything, becoming a professional with expertise laid the groundwork for a confident return to society," he said. He is now living a second life as a safety manager at a construction site.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service, held opening ceremonies for its "Electrician Certification Program" on Thursday at five human resources development centers nationwide, located in Busan, Incheon, Gwangju, Cheonan, and Paju. The program is designed to help injured workers who have endured physical and mental hardship not only acquire technical skills but also restore their confidence and secure a practical foothold for rejoining society as dignified members.
KCCI has tailored a close-contact support program that differs from general education by carefully considering the unique circumstances that only injured workers face. From the early stages of training, a faculty advisor is assigned to conduct in-depth one-on-one consultations with each trainee. Beyond simply choosing a career path, the advisors precisely analyze each individual's physical condition and previous career trajectory to help them set an optimal job direction they can confidently pursue.
Another strength is that, starting with this program, KCCI now fully covers the examination fees (one written and one practical test) required to obtain the electrician certification, allowing trainees to focus solely on acquiring specialized skills without financial burden. Support continues even after trainees complete the program. KCCI has built a comprehensive follow-up system, keeping practical training equipment open at all times and providing ongoing technical guidance from instructors to help trainees successfully earn their certification. The aim is to serve as a reliable companion to the end for injured workers, who can easily feel overwhelmed when preparing for exams alone.
Such meticulous support is reflected in the pass rates. Last year, the written exam pass rate for program graduates reached 78.5%, more than double the national average of 36.2%. The practical exam pass rate also stood at 78.8%, exceeding the national average of 72.6%, proving KCCI's distinctive training capabilities. As word of these results has spread, demand for the program has climbed sharply. The number of trainees surged from 20 in 2024 to 168 last year and is expected to expand further to 200 this year.
"We aim to become a partner in rebuilding the lives of injured workers by leveraging our excellent infrastructure and human resources," said Lee Chang-hyung, head of the training and employment support team at KCCI's Human Resources Development Project Group. "We will continue to develop specialized educational programs so that more injured workers can return to the workplace."
