Hyundai E&C launches HILLSTATE Academy to train young construction talent

Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced Wednesday that it is recruiting participants for the first cohort of HILLSTATE Academy, a practical training program aimed at developing young talent for the future construction industry.

HILLSTATE Academy is part of the K-New Deal Academy initiative run by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which supports training programs built around curricula that companies design themselves to equip young people with job-ready skills.

The curriculum Hyundai E&C developed for the program focuses on construction execution, scheduling, safety and quality management, with the goal of producing field-ready professionals. In line with the broader digital transformation sweeping the construction industry, the program also incorporates training in smart construction technologies — including Building Information Modeling and the project management software Primavera — and links participants to employment support services to strengthen their competitiveness in the job market.

The first cohort is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 34, with applications accepted through the Hyundai E&C Technical Training Institute website until Aug. 3. The program runs from Aug. 11 through Dec. 22, spanning roughly four months.

There are no separate eligibility requirements or restrictions — applicants do not need to hold a national skills development card or be enrolled in a national employment support program. Tuition is fully covered, and participants are also eligible to receive training allowances and attendance stipends, minimizing the financial burden on enrollees.

"We are committed to helping young people build stable careers and grow into the core talent that will strengthen the competitiveness of the future construction industry," a Hyundai E&C official said.

Meanwhile, Hyundai E&C has been running various training programs to develop construction industry talent since establishing its Technical Training Institute in 1977. Beyond its participation in the K-New Deal Academy, the company plans to continue reviewing vocational skills development programs and other initiatives to expand employment opportunities for young people.