"With This Certificate, Even Those in Their 60s Can Get Hired and Earn 3.69 Million Won a Month... 50s and 60s Flocking After Retirement"

On October 15, 2024, job seekers line up to receive employment counseling at the "2024 Hope, Happiness, and Future Job Fair" held at the FKI Tower in Yeouido, Seoul.

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With early and voluntary retirement becoming a routine part of working life, people in their 50s and 60s are preparing for their "second act" earlier than before. As a result, there is a growing interest in acquiring certifications to facilitate reemployment. Among these, the certification that led to the highest initial salary was "Tower Crane Operator Certificate," while the one with the highest employment rate within six months of acquisition was the "Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Machinery Technician Certificate," drawing significant attention.

According to an analysis by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training of about 510,000 people aged 50 or older but under 65 who obtained national technical certifications between 2020 and 2024, the "Tower Crane Operator Certificate" topped the list for the highest monthly salary at the first workplace.

The average monthly salary for middle-aged certificate holders starting their first job with the Tower Crane Operator Certificate was 3.69 million won, the highest among all certificates analyzed. This figure significantly exceeds the entry-level starting salary for college graduates, typically ranging from 3 million to 3.1 million won.

Following this were ▲Drilling Machine Operator Certificate (3.26 million won), ▲Bulldozer Operator Certificate (2.95 million won), and ▲Crane Operator Certificate and Rebar Technician Certificate (2.84 million won each), all ranking among the top certifications.

On October 15, 2024, job seekers visiting the '2024 Hope, Happiness, and Future Employment Fair' held at FKI Tower in Yeouido, Seoul, are filling out job application forms.

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The common characteristic of these certifications is that they are all related to construction heavy machinery and on-site technical positions. Industry experts explain that, due to the complex work environments and the high skill level required, these roles are difficult to automate, thus ensuring high wages for middle-aged workers as well.

When it comes to employment speed and job stability, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Machinery Technician Certificate was outstanding. A total of 54.3% of those who obtained this certification found employment within six months, ranking first in short-term employment rates.

Due to the nature of the job, which involves skills related to the installation and maintenance of heating and cooling systems, there is a steady demand for building maintenance and management. As a result, this occupation is considered less affected by economic fluctuations. In particular, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Machinery Technician Certificate also recorded the highest level in terms of employment retention, proving itself as a certification that provides "staying power" after employment.

Other certifications with high short-term employment outcomes included ▲Energy Management Technician Certificate (53.8%), ▲Forest Technician Certificate (52.6%), ▲Elevator Technician Certificate (51.9%), and ▲Electrician Certificate (49.8%).

The government is expanding support for reemployment of the middle-aged by helping them acquire promising certifications. The number of people eligible for support this year has been significantly increased to 7,700, compared to 2,800 last year.

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