Samsung is launching a new job training programme to support youth employment and is moving into full-scale operations. Samsung said on Wednesday it has set up the Cheongnyeon Hope Learning Center, a job training programme for 1,000 unemployed young people outside the Seoul metropolitan area, and will recruit trainees through July 19.

The Cheongnyeon Hope Learning Center is a corporate social responsibility education programme Samsung set up to join the K-New Deal Academy, a youth job competency and employment support project overseen by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Anyone aged 34 or younger preparing for a job outside the Seoul metropolitan area can fill out an application on the official website. Candidates will be selected through document screening and online interviews.

Training will be held across four regions: Chungcheong, Honam, North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang. After a launch ceremony in July, the programme will begin full training in August. The curriculum covers six job areas, including electronics and IT manufacturing technicians, HVAC and refrigeration technicians, ship manufacturing technicians, heavy equipment operators, online advertising and public relations practitioners, and baking and pastry technicians.

The programme will be run as a package of up to 700 hours, including 80 hours of basic job competencies, 240 to 540 hours of specialised training and 80 hours of career development. The career development course includes lectures by current employees, workplace visits and coaching on personal statements and resumes.

Samsung said it will use its experience operating Hope Stepping Stone 2.0, a support project for young people preparing for independence, as well as education infrastructure at its affiliates for the programme. It plans to provide young people with various support, including obtaining certifications, in addition to job training.

Ha Heon-jae (하헌재), a managing director at Samsung Electronics' DS Corporate Social Responsibility Group, said the Cheongnyeon Hope Learning Center is hands-on training designed to build capabilities that companies actually need. He said he expects it to help boost young people's competitiveness in the job market.