The government is recruiting about 500 young people to gain on-site work experience at social enterprises. Participants will work at a social enterprise for up to 12 weeks, receiving a monthly stipend of 1.7 million won ($1,090), along with job training and mentoring from current employees.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency announced Sunday that they are accepting applications for the "2026 Social Value-Oriented Youth Work Experience Support Project" through July 13. The recruitment follows the earlier selection of qualified social enterprises — including prospective ones — to host participants.
The program is open to unemployed youth between the ages of 15 and 34. Participants will carry out real work assignments for eight to 12 weeks at a social enterprise suited to their interests and career goals, building practical job skills in the process.
Recruitment covers six fields: public relations, marketing and content creation; digital IT and data; counseling, education and social services; culture, arts, performance and events; technology, safety, environment and energy; and office administration and management support. Participants will be matched with companies based on their job preferences.
Before starting, participants will receive at least 15 hours of job training. They will then work 30 hours a week and receive a monthly support allowance of 1.7 million won. A dedicated in-house mentor will also guide each participant, sharing practical know-how and helping them adjust to the workplace.
After the program ends, a results-sharing event will be held to recognize outstanding participants and issue certificates of completion. The certificates are intended to serve as job portfolio materials and proof of work experience in future employment applications.
Interested youth can apply through the job platform Jobkorea.
Jeong Seung-guk, president of the Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency, said hands-on experience at social enterprises working to solve social problems "will be a differentiated asset that enhances young people's competitiveness in the job market," adding that he hopes the program becomes "an opportunity for talented youth and social enterprises to grow together."
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