The government plans to expand its youth work experience program to 45,000 participants this year, diversifying offerings to focus on fields popular among young job seekers, including aerospace, entertainment and industrial safety.
New program types will also be introduced — virtual reality-based work experience using metaverse platforms and placements at social enterprises — to broaden access for young people outside the Greater Seoul area and those still preparing to enter the workforce.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor on Thursday held the "First Public-Private Council on Youth Work Experience for 2026" at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with participating companies and operating organizations including SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, LG Group, Naver and Kakao. The council presented minister's commendations to three outstanding operating organizations from last year, shared best practices and discussed plans to expand the youth work experience program.
Since 2023, the government has provided job experience opportunities to about 140,000 young people over three years through its "Future Tomorrow Work Experience" project. This year, the program expands its target to 45,000 participants and will run a specialized track for 1,500 young people still preparing for employment. An additional 2,000 slots were created through a supplementary budget passed in April, including a newly established "social value" track offering work experience at social enterprises.
The council showcased standout programs in fields that young people have had limited exposure to. The Aerospace Industry-Academia Convergence Institute ran a program in partnership with Trinity Airways and Korea Airport Service, giving participants hands-on experience in actual aviation settings — including passenger service, route planning and aircraft maintenance.
RBW presented a program allowing participants to build a portfolio by carrying out projects in a real entertainment industry environment, including recording studios and production facilities. A consortium of Hyundai Motor Company and the Industrial Safety Mutual Growth Foundation ran an industrial safety work experience program combining on-site workplace training with expert mentoring, offering young people a new avenue to explore careers in the field.
New cases using metaverse technology were also shared at the meeting.
Comento supports participants in experiencing a range of job functions — including research and development, production and manufacturing, overseas sales and human resources — through a virtual reality-based platform called "Dreamverse Company." Young people outside the Greater Seoul area and those preparing for employment can take part in mentoring sessions with working professionals and job simulations without geographic restrictions.
Deputy Minister of Employment and Labor Kwon Chang-jun said the Future Tomorrow Work Experience project "has established itself as a flagship youth support program amid strong interest from young people." He added that the ministry would "continue to expand job experience opportunities that young people want, in partnership with companies, and further increase tailored programs for those still preparing for work and for youth in regional areas."
fact0514@heraldcorp.com
