“Employment First, Education Later” Program Established in Naju Energy Valley
Signing ceremony for the Department of Smart Energy Systems (Contract-Based Department) at Mokpo National University
(Photo courtesy of Mokpo National University)
Jeollanam-do Province and Mokpo National University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with companies located in Naju Innovation City to establish the Department of Smart Energy Systems at the Energy Valley Industry-Academia Convergence District. The department will operate under an "Employment First, Education Later" program.
The program was introduced to provide graduates of specialized vocational high schools with opportunities to pursue higher education after securing employment through agreements with local companies. This marks the second such program, following the establishment of the Department of Shipbuilding Systems at the Daebul Industrial Complex.
A total of 12 companies located in Naju Innovation City and the Innovation Industrial Complex participated in the agreement, alongside Jeollanam-do Province and Mokpo National University.
The participating companies include Garam Electric Co., Ltd., Kwangmyung Electric Co., Ltd., Kumkang Transformer, Nemo ENG Co., Ltd., Daehan E&I Co., Ltd., The Joeun Energy Co., Ltd., Dogun System Co., Ltd., Bosung Powertec Co., Ltd., Samyook SP Co., Ltd., SIC Co., Ltd., EDS Co., Ltd., and Top Infra Co., Ltd.
With the Energy Valley Industry-Academia Convergence District scheduled for development in the industrial complex near Naju Innovation City by 2020, two existing departments at Mokpo National University—the Department of Electrical and Control Engineering and the Department of Electronic Information and Communications—were also scheduled to relocate to the district. The newly established contract-based department will further strengthen cooperation between academia and industry.
The Department of Smart Energy Systems will provide industry-oriented education designed to develop skilled professionals equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Its curriculum will cover electromagnetics, digital system design, microprocessors, big data, artificial intelligence, and other technologies essential to the smart energy systems industry.
By creating an environment in which young people can pursue higher education while maintaining stable employment, the program is expected to encourage more young professionals to settle and build their careers in Jeollanam-do Province.
Since the previous year, Jeollanam-do Province and Mokpo National University have conducted surveys among companies operating or planning to establish operations in industrial complexes near Naju Innovation City. These surveys assessed workforce requirements in the energy and ICT sectors, the number of employees needed, and companies' willingness to participate in contract-based academic programs.
Based on the survey results, the university has pursued the relocation of relevant departments and the establishment of industry-linked educational programs. At the time of reporting, 26 participants had been recruited from 12 companies.
Jeollanam-do Province had previously established the Department of Shipbuilding Systems at the Daebul Industrial Complex under the same "Employment First, Education Later" initiative. A total of 53 employees were participating in the program while balancing work and academic studies.
Employees participating in the program receive financial support covering 75% of their tuition fees, with Jeollanam-do Province contributing 50% and participating companies covering 25%.
Based on the satisfaction levels of students and participating companies, the province plans to continue identifying and expanding educational programs in future strategic industries that align with workforce demands and employment opportunities.
Article Information
Written: January 24, 2018 (Wednesday), 2:20 PM
Published: January 24, 2018 (Wednesday), 2:24 PM
Reporter: Choi Chang-bong
Email: ccb1970@electimes.com