ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

The industrial technology workforce in Korea has played a pivotal role across various sectors of industry, including research and development (R&D), production, and quality control. These professionals have significantly contributed to enhancing productivity and quality on the basis of their technical expertise, thereby serving as a key pillar in strengthening the nation’s industrial competitiveness. However, with the rapid advancement of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and robotics, industrial structures are undergoing significant transformation. As a result, the demand for simple and repetitive labor is gradually declining, while the demand for highly skilled technical personnel continues to rise. In this study, a qualitative case study was conducted on departments and graduate programs at universities that operate degree programs for industrial technology workforce development. In-depth interviews were conducted with faculty members participating in these programs to examine the current status of program operation and identify structural and operational limitations of the existing system. Based on the analysis, the study aims to derive policy implications to improve the training system for industrial technology personnel and to contribute to the establishment of human resource development strategies aligned with the evolving industrial environment. The findings reveal a mismatch between the labor shortages in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and youth unemployment, as well as a phenomenon of an increasing number of highly educated individuals alongside a shortage of specialized technical personnel. Smaller companies face challenges in hiring talent, while requiring higher levels of technical skill. Many young people tend to prefer large corporations or public institutions, intensifying the difficulties in employment. To address these issues, the study proposes the following solutions: First, it emphasizes the importance of balancing theory and practice and argues that project-based learning should be utilized to maximize educational outcomes. Second, it advocates for the development of a systematic curriculum that connects basic theory and practical skills to cultivate talent suited for the changing industrial environment, with collaboration between industries being a key element. Finally, it stresses the need for the establishment of a sustainable and effective cooperation system between universities and companies to train industry-specific talent.

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