Incheon Metropolitan City is introducing new employment support and life transition programs targeting 1.24 million middle-aged residents. The initiative establishes a dual-track system: one track helps citizens aged 40 and above find reemployment, while the other supports career re-exploration for those in their 50s and 60s approaching retirement.
According to the city on the 10th, middle-aged residents between 40 and 64 in Incheon number approximately 1.24 million as of the end of last year, accounting for 41% of the total population. To address the growing middle-aged population and rapidly changing employment environment, the city revised the "Incheon Metropolitan City Ordinance on Middle-Aged Employment Support" in November last year, expanding eligibility from those aged 50 and above to those aged 40 to under 65.
"Jobs Incheon," located on Yesul-ro in Namdong-gu, serves as one pillar of the dual-track system. Starting this year, it will transform into an agency dedicated to employment support for middle-aged citizens aged 40 and above. Established in 2017, the center provides counseling, education, career transition programs, job placement support for workplaces experiencing mass employment changes, and regional employment trend analysis. The facility includes information search areas, community spaces, study rooms, and counseling booths. Following last year's success of connecting 355 people with jobs, this year's targets include 300 job placements and 50 program operations, with a budget of 260 million won.
The other pillar, "New Middle-Age Ajit," located on Seokjeong-ro in Michuhol-gu, is an open space for those in their 50s and 60s who need career re-exploration, including those approaching retirement. The 290.4-square-meter facility features a lounge, multipurpose room, and administrative space. It offers comprehensive counseling, competency-building education, recruitment support events, and club activity support. Last year, it recorded 1,336 visitors, 104 venue rentals, and 31 lectures and programs. This year's targets are 1,100 visitors (excluding duplicates), 110 venue rentals, and 48 lectures and programs, with a budget of 230 million won.
Both institutions are entrusted to Incheon Technopark for integrated operations. The system aims to create a virtuous cycle where participants who complete career planning at Jobs Incheon proceed to competency-building programs at New Middle-Age Ajit before expanding into community activities. Detailed schedules and participation methods are available on each program's website.
Kim Sang-gil, Director of the Economic and Industrial Affairs Bureau at Incheon Metropolitan City, said, "We are strengthening our support system so that middle-aged citizens can prepare for the second chapter of their lives with stability. We will actively support efforts to ensure that the experience and capabilities of middle-aged citizens contribute to regional growth."
