Korea HR Agency Sends Half of Trainees to Major Firms Abroad

Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) is helping young Koreans secure jobs overseas at companies with advanced technologies.

The agency launched a customized training program for companies with overseas operations last year. The program features a collaborative approach where firms with foreign subsidiaries—including SK AX and Hwasin—work with universities to design the entire curriculum.

Despite starting as a pilot project, the program delivered notable results. Last year, eight companies ran six courses covering future mobility and advanced automated production technology. Of the 100 participants, 49 secured positions or confirmed employment at overseas subsidiaries of companies including LG Energy Solution and Hanwha Qcells.

The program satisfies both young people seeking efficient skill development and companies urgently needing field-ready workers. Participating firms save approximately 12 million won ($8,500) per hire—the average recruitment cost—while directly shaping training programs to cultivate desired talent. Universities move beyond theory-focused education to provide industry-demand-based curricula. Participants receive settlement support from dedicated managers for 18 months after completing training.

An official from Kongju National University, which ran the IT program, said, "Trainee satisfaction was high, so we plan to participate again this year." One trainee hired by Hanwha Qcells said, "The job skills and English training in the program greatly helped my employment."

The program launching in March includes improvements to boost employment outcomes. Operating institutions can receive additional incentives based on placement results. Disadvantaged youth will receive up to 300,000 won monthly for accommodation. Im Seung-mook, head of HRD Korea's International Workforce Division, said, "We will continue serving as a bridge connecting globally competitive domestic companies with young talent."