New fields like cloud computing will be added to the list of eligible occupations for the Master Hand designation. (Image courtesy of Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Employment and Labor has announced the “3rd Basic Plan for Promoting Skilled Technologies” (2023-2027), which includes recognizing experts in emerging technologies such as cloud computing with the Korean Master Hand designation.
New fields like cloud computing will be added to the list of eligible occupations for the Master Hand designation, while areas such as graphic design and 3D digital art gaming will be incorporated into the existing visual design category.
Traditionally, to be designated a Master Hand, one must have over 15 years of industrial experience. However, considering the challenge of meeting this criterion in new technology sectors, involvement in research and development projects will now be recognized as equivalent industrial experience.
This adjustment is expected to increase the representation of new technology experts among the Master Hands, which has been limited to 2.3% over the past three years. In contrast, traditional industry artisans in fields like electricity and welding made up 69.8%, and craft experts in areas like printing and ceramics accounted for 27.9%.
The skilled technology transmission project will be tailored to the demands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with continuous demand surveys for technology transmission conducted through the Meister Net skilled technician portal. Companies will also have the option to select their industrial instructors directly.
To enhance the capacity for technology transmission, the plan includes providing customized teaching method training, equivalent to vocational training instructor courses, and establishing the Yeongnam Region Skilled Technology Promotion Institute by 2026 to transfer skilled technologies to vocational high school students and SME employees.
Additionally, the scale of experiential programs operated by outstanding skilled technicians visiting schools will be expanded from 18,200 participants last year to over 30,000 by 2027.
Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jung-sik emphasized the importance of skilled technology accumulated through work as a fundamental basis for enhancing industrial competitiveness and technological innovation.
He committed to identifying excellent skilled technicians, expanding the transmission of skilled technology, and continuously improving societal recognition.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
