60 Work-Learning Parallel Programs for Vocational High School Graduates to Operate in Universities Next Year

Expanded to 49→60 Schools... "Increased Choices for Graduates"

The scene of the 'Vocational High School Credit System Expo' held by Sejong High-Tech High School on October 1st. (Image source=Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Next year, opportunities for 2nd and 3rd-year vocational high school students to simultaneously experience work and learning are expected to increase. This is because the number of universities operating the high-skilled work-learning dual system will increase from 49 this year to 60 next year.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea announced on the 23rd that they have additionally selected 11 universities to operate the 'High-Skilled Work-Learning Dual System (P-TECH)'. The number of P-TECH operating schools will increase from the current 49 to 60 starting next year. P-TECH refers to a two-year high-skilled technology convergence training program linked with Polytechnics and junior colleges, targeting graduates of industry-academia integrated apprenticeship schools and vocational high schools. Graduates who mainly completed the 'High School Work-Learning Dual System' (industry-academia integrated apprenticeship school) course, which allows 2nd and 3rd-year high school students to experience both school and company, proceed to the P-TECH course after graduation. This is a representative 'post-learning' system for vocational high schools that helps them obtain a degree (associate degree) along with the national qualification of the work-learning dual system.

Thirty percent of the P-TECH curriculum is organized in new technology fields. The Ministry of Employment and Labor explained that the 11 universities, including Ansan University and Yeonseong University, have the capacity to conduct convergence training in new technology fields such as machinery and electronics. By region, 4 universities were selected in the metropolitan area, 3 in the Gyeongsang area, 2 in the Chungcheong area, and 1 each in the Gangwon and Jeolla areas. This means it has expanded nationwide. Accordingly, next year, P-TECH will be operated in about 3,300 students across 93 departments in 60 universities. The Ministry of Employment and Labor also improved the system this year to allow not only those who completed the high school work-learning dual system but also vocational high school graduates to participate in P-TECH.

Ryu Kyung-hee, Director of the Vocational Competency Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, said, "P-TECH is a meaningful program that supports vocational high school graduates in enhancing their new technology job skills in their major fields and continuing career development," adding, "We will continue to explore various post-learning measures, such as academic transfer programs, so that participants can develop their careers while balancing work and learning."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.