South Korea has initiated the establishment of a public-private training center with the goal of educating 1,000 professionals annually in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), environmentally friendly ships, and autonomous vessels. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) officially opened a training center for maritime professionals at HD Hyundai Group’s Global Research Center (GRC) on 20 March. This collaborative effort between the South Korean government and shipbuilding companies aims to address the persistent shortage of skilled technical workers in the industry.
The new training center has received a total investment of 6.4 billion won (approximately $4.77 million), with 4.8 billion won (about $3.58 million) being government-funded. It will provide training for around 1,000 current shipbuilders and university students specializing in relevant fields. The program will focus on areas such as AI/big data, environmentally friendly ships, autonomous ships, and smart shipyards, tailored to the specific needs of shipbuilders.
Officials from MOTIE, the Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA), and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) attended the inauguration of the training center. This initiative underscores the commitment of the South Korean government and industry stakeholders to bridge the skills gap in the maritime sector and equip professionals with the necessary expertise in cutting-edge technologies. The training center is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry and ensuring its competitiveness on a global scale.
More Stories
Intercargo Supports ILO’s Recognition of Seafarers as Essential Workers
MOL Launches Major CO2 Removal Initiative in Maritime Sector
Exploring the Gender Pay Gap in the Maritime Industry, Report