KT is joining the government's K-New Deal Academy to train young talent to lead the artificial intelligence (AI) transition (AX) era.

KT said on Saturday it is recruiting trainees for the first cohort of the KT K-New Deal Academy to support young people with job experience and entry into society.

The KT K-New Deal Academy is a practical training programme that delivers to young people the expertise and on-site experience KT has built through its telecommunications and AI businesses.

KT applied training know-how from its AI and digital talent development programme, KT AIVLE School, which it has operated since 2021. Trainees can build problem-solving and collaboration skills by completing assignments focused on project-based learning and taking part in presentations and competitions.

More than half of the full curriculum is led by current practitioners. Trainees can learn industry experience and work know-how from KT experts and explore various career paths through visits to KT group affiliates and job-experience programmes. KT set up training hubs in five regions nationwide - Pangyo, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju and Busan - so young people outside the Seoul area can receive the same level of training near where they live.

The programme is free of charge. Participants who meet attendance requirements will receive a monthly training participation allowance. Applicants must be unemployed young people aged 34 or younger who have graduated from, or are expected to graduate from, a two-year college or higher. Graduates of existing K-Digital Training programmes can also take part.

Lee Sun-joo (이선주), head of talent at KT, said, "We will support young people so they can grow into talent equipped with practical capabilities and collaboration skills demanded in industrial fields in the AX transition era." He added, "Based on KT's ICT and AX expertise and training know-how, we will support young people's growth and entry into society."