125 participants in youth intern and bridge programs take part in on-site interviews
South Chungcheong Province hosted a job-matching event Thursday, bringing together local companies and young job seekers in a direct hiring forum.
The provincial government held the event, called "Meeting Day," at the South Chungcheong Community Platform Aurum on the second floor of Onyang Hot Springs Station in Asan. The event targeted young participants enrolled in this year's South Chungcheong Youth Intern program and the Youth Bridge-On program, offering them on-site interviews with companies and public institutions.
A total of 49 companies and public institutions in the province with intern hiring plans took part, along with 125 university students and soon-to-be graduates who had cleared a document screening process.
Young applicants who secured a match through the on-site interviews will work as interns at their respective organizations from September through December. Those who were not matched at the event will have additional opportunities to continue the hiring process through follow-up referrals.
Interns who complete the program will receive a monthly training allowance of at least 2.16 million won ($1,400) and may earn academic credit from their universities. If both the intern and the employer agree, a transition to full-time employment upon graduation is also possible.
To reflect demand from young applicants, the province allowed each participant to apply to up to three companies. Pre-interview consulting sessions on resume writing and interview techniques were also provided to improve the chances of successful matches.
The South Chungcheong Youth Intern program has been running since 2023 in response to companies' growing preference for experienced hires. Under the program, universities recommend local talent, companies provide job-focused work experience, and the province covers vocational training and internship costs.
The province expects the program to help young people build practical skills and strengthen their employability, while enabling companies to secure capable workers and ease labor shortages.
"The youth intern program is a region-tailored talent development initiative where young people and companies can understand each other and grow together," a provincial official said. "We will continue to expand employment support policies so that young people can find stable jobs and settle in the region."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
