TLDR
- South Korea aims to train over one million people in AI by 2030 as part of the “AI+ Competency-Up Project.”
- The government allocates 2.5 trillion won from the vocational training budget to support AI programs for 230,000 people in 2025.
- The K-Digital Training program will be expanded to produce domain-specific AI engineers for young job seekers.
- Tailored AI programs will be offered to mid-career workers and SMEs through AI Training Expansion Centers.
- The government plans to build AI labs, shared training centers, and an AI instructor academy to enhance skills across industries.
The South Korean government has announced a plan to provide AI job training for over one million people by 2030. This initiative, called the “AI+ Competency-Up Project,” aims to prepare the labor market for rapid technological changes. The Ministry of Employment and Labor unveiled this strategy during a meeting of science and technology ministers in Seoul.
Government Investment in AI Workforce Development
According to a report by Koreabizwire, the South Korean government will allocate roughly 2.5 trillion won from its 2.7 trillion won vocational training budget for AI programs. This will enable 230,000 people to receive training in AI-related fields in 2025 alone. Over the next five years, more than one million job seekers, mid-career workers, and older employees will be trained in AI skills.
To help young job seekers, the government will expand the K-Digital Training program. This initiative will produce domain-specific AI engineers by offering AI-literacy and job-application courses. Additionally, a new “KDT AI Campus” will train 10,000 specialists, with higher stipends for participating youth.
AI Training for Existing Workers and Small Businesses
For workers already in the labor market, the ministry will offer tailored AI programs. The government plans to connect small and medium-sized enterprises with AI training through regional “AI Training Expansion Centers.” These centers will provide specialized training by private-sector instructors knowledgeable in both industry operations and AI.
Training opportunities for mid-career and older workers will expand. Additionally, employment centers, regional workforce boards, and polytechnic universities will introduce AI-focused courses. These courses will help older workers transition to new roles, making them more competitive in the evolving job market.
Long-Term Capacity Building for AI Skills
The government plans to build four physical AI labs tied to regional industries and 20 shared AI training centers. These centers will give small businesses access to AI infrastructure, owned by larger firms. An “AI instructor academy” will also be established to train educators who can teach advanced AI skills. Collaboration with other agencies, such as the industry, science, and SME ministries, will connect trainees with startups.
The goal is to share AI curricula across platforms and integrate AI training with employment programs. A broader “AI Job Policy Roadmap” will also be released in the first half of next year. Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, “AI must be a tool that expands opportunities for everyone.” The ministry aims to ensure that workers at every stage can strengthen their AI skills and thrive in the upcoming transition.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
