By Kim Yoo-chul
KT said Tuesday it will create 1,000 jobs for retirees.
This is the first time a private company will help seniors who want to re-enter the workforce in full-time or near full-time positions after retirement.
"KT is pursuing balanced growth with those who need substantial help amid an aging society. Everyone should get a second life after retirement. We will offer free education to 100,000 and 1,000 will find regular jobs,’’ said Choi Jae-keun, a senior executive at the company, in a press conference at its main office in downtown Seoul.
Choi said the company will offer 60-hour high-quality IT education programs.
"We will select 1,000 seniors, who will work at various educational institutes, non-profit organizations and regional communities. KT is underway to find the right partners,’’ said the executive.
"This plan is just a beginning. As a long-term strategy, KT will open a separate office in downtown Seoul to help them keep up with their work in an organized manner.’’
Choi stressed the Bundang, Gyeonggi Province-based outfit has no plan to profit from the programs.
"You should understand that this is a part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives. We will help them work. We want other local companies to join the plan,’’ he added.