The Ministry of Environment (Minister Kim Wansup) and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute announced the designation of five schools as the 2nd round of ‘specialized high schools in the environmental field’ to train practical professionals to lead the green industry and achieve carbon neutrality.

The 2nd round of specialized high schools in the environmental field includes Gyeongnam Technical High School (Principal Yang Byeong-chun), Gwangju Electronic Technical High School (Principal Wi Hwan-bok), Samil Technical High School (Principal Kim Dong-su), Seoul Technical High School (Principal Lee Jo-bok), and Ulsan Technical High School (Principal Yu Byeong-deuk).

The Ministry of Environment held a project briefing in October this year to encourage the participation of outstanding schools in the 2nd round and, after an evaluation committee review process for the specialized high schools that applied, ultimately selected these five schools.

The specialized high schools selected for the 2nd round will receive an annual budget of KRW 200 million over 5 years from 2025 to 2029 to operate programs such as courses for obtaining environmental field certifications like industrial engineer qualifications and curricula linked to the environmental industry, aiming to train practical field professionals.

In particular, three schools - Gyeongnam Technical High School, Gwangju Electronic Technical High School, and Samil Technical High School - will operate the “Water Quality Environmental Industrial Engineer Qualification Process-Based Program,” actively supporting specialized high school students in obtaining industrial engineer qualifications. Notably, during the 1st round of the project, the program introduced by Gwangju Electronic Technical High School demonstrated a high employment rate*.

* As of November 2024, 11 out of 12 graduates who obtained the certifications (excluding those pursuing higher education or military service) secured employment at organizations such as the Ministry of Environment (Grade 9), Samsung Electronics, and KEPCO KPS.

Students participating in the 2nd round of the project will not only obtain certifications in the environmental field but also enhance their practical skills through corporate-linked field training and lectures by industry experts. In addition, they will receive employment support, including assistance with resume writing, mock interviews, and guidance.

Seo Young-tae, Director General of Green Transition Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, stated, “Through the operation of the 2nd round of specialized high schools in the environmental field, we will continuously train practical professionals needed for the green industry.” He added, “We will actively support specialized high school students in securing quality jobs and growing into key contributors to their local communities.”

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