For Koreans in Their 50s and 60s, Technical Licenses Open Doors to Second Careers (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — For middle-aged and older South Koreans seeking a second career, technical licenses are proving to be a reliable path into steady employment and higher wages.
A government survey released Sunday by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training found that among workers aged 50 to 64 who obtained a national technical certificate, those with a refrigeration and air-conditioning machinery license had the highest employment rate within six months. More than 54 percent of holders of that certification found jobs in the period.
Other credentials that showed strong job placement rates included energy management (53.8 percent), forestry (52.6 percent), elevator mechanics (51.9 percent), and electrical work (49.8 percent). These fields also ranked high in job security, according to the analysis of data from 510,000 certificate holders, including 240,000 unemployed job seekers.
In terms of wages, however, crane operation dominated. Tower crane operators earned an average of 3.69 million won ($2,700) per month in their first jobs after certification, followed by drilling machine operators (3.26 million won), bulldozer operators (2.95 million won), and rebar specialists (2.84 million won).
The study highlighted the energy management technician license as particularly promising, ranking second in job placement, 16th in wages, and second in job stability — a combination that underscores its broad appeal in a labor market hungry for certified skills.
To meet demand, the government said it will expand training at Korea Polytechnics, a national vocational college system. Enrollment slots for midlife workers will nearly triple to 7,700 next year from 2,800 this year.
“Many people in their 50s and 60s feel discouraged when they lack information on which qualifications can truly open doors,” said Kwon Jin-ho, a senior employment official. “By highlighting these high-potential certifications, we hope to support workers preparing for a second act in their careers.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
