The government is intensifying efforts to support the reemployment and job transitions of middle-aged workers through localized hiring events, vocational training, and artificial intelligence (AI) education across the country.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on September 27 that it will operate the '21st Middle-Aged Employment Emphasis Week' until October 2. This year's theme is 'Connecting Regions, Nurturing Middle-Aged Workers,' with local governments, employment centers, and Korea Polytechnic University collaborating to provide career planning, work experience, vocational training, and job placement services.
Since last year, region-focused employment services for middle-aged workers have been expanding. The ministry plans to pilot the 'Middle-Aged Employment Network' at 15 employment centers in 2025 and expand it to over 40 regions nationwide this year. This initiative involves local governments, polytechnic institutions, and women's employment centers working together to connect businesses and job seekers through case management.
Currently, the ministry offers career planning and job transition services at the Middle-Aged Tomorrow Centers for workers aged 40 and older, including those nearing retirement and job seekers. A separate program, 'Middle-Aged Career Support System,' is also being implemented this year to provide work experience in new roles for those transitioning from primary jobs, such as office positions.
A commemorative event for Middle-Aged Employment Emphasis Week will take place on September 30 at the Luna Miele Grand Hall in Seoul, organized by the Labor-Management Development Foundation. During the event, Choi Myung-cheol, recognized for his exemplary middle-aged employment case, will receive an award from the Minister of Labor and share his experience. Choi transitioned from running a Korean and Western restaurant for over a decade to securing a job in the semiconductor industry after participating in specialized training at the Middle-Aged Tomorrow Center and Korea Polytechnic University.
Industry-specific events will also be held. In Seoul, there will be job talks and mentoring sessions in the tourism sector, while Busan will showcase roles in the maritime industry and yard tractors. In Jeonbuk, a job concert focused on the future mobility industry is planned.
Training programs utilizing AI and digital technologies will be included as well. In Incheon, the 'Middle-Aged Career ReStart (AI)' program will introduce AI applications in the workplace, while Ulsan will offer tailored training on generative AI for middle-aged workers.
Minister of Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, "In an era of rapid technological change, it is crucial for individuals to continuously assess their capabilities and plan their careers. We hope for significant interest in these region-specific middle-aged career support events."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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