Korea Polytechnics expands vocational training for immigrants

Lim Ye-won, who studies at Korea Polytechnics, poses before attending a welding class at the vocational college in this undated photo. Courtesy of Ministry of Employment and Labor

Kim Min-ho, born in Cambodia and naturalized as a Korean citizen in 2020, works for a machinery producer, located in North Chungcheong Province, after graduating from Korea Polytechnics Dasom High School.

While the 21-year-old attained vocational education over three years at the school, he acquired two national technique qualifications including a craftsman certificate, and reached grade three in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).

TOPIK applicants with grade three are recognized as having no difficulty in language function needed for everyday living.

“I was glad as I obtained Korean citizenship and got a job I wanted,” Kim said.

Lim Ye-won, born in the Philippines and naturalized as a Korean citizen last year, was admitted to Korea Polytechnics this year with the support of her husband who also studied at the vocational college.

Lim, who had previously worked in English education and insurance, decided to go to the college as she was eager to learn a specialized skill.

The 35-year-old has already acquired two national qualifications and plans to acquire three more before completing her course at the college. Her ultimate goal is to work as a welder in Korea.

“I want to advise other immigrant women to learn skills to find a new path for their lives here,” she said.

Korea Polytechnics under the direct control of the Ministry of Employment and Labor offers a comprehensive range of technical instruction. It has expanded its vocational education to families with multicultural backgrounds, including marriage-based immigrants, beginning this year, after having offered such education to children of multicultural families at Dasom High School that opened in 2012.

The college plans to further expand customized vocational education by opening a new course next year for 200 youngsters who are aged over 18 and have multicultural backgrounds.

“Expanding such education is aimed at helping children of multicultural families better carve out their career in this country,” a Korea Polytechnics official said, noting that it will also offer Korean language education, if necessary.