Busan is good

Busan Metropolitan City Completes 6th “Spharos Academy” Practical Software Training Program

내용

Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that the completion ceremony for the 6th cohort of “Spharos Academy” was held yesterday (July 22) at 4 p.m. at the Shinsegae I&C Busan Campus in Haeundae.

This ceremony celebrated the achievements of 28 participants who successfully completed four months of practical software (SW) training and team projects, marking their first meaningful step into the software industry.

“Spharos Academy” is a practical software talent training program that has been jointly operated by Busan Metropolitan City and Shinsegae I&C since 2022. It targets Busan residents aged 39 or younger who are university graduates or soon-to-be graduates, aiming to foster local youth talent and enhance capabilities.

The 6th program consisted of a 7-week “Rebooting Project” and a 9-week “Corporate Collaboration Project.” Participants accumulated practical experience through real-world projects, such as the “Rebooting Project” using actual platforms from Shinsegae Group companies like Starbucks and S.I. Village, and through solving real-world challenges in collaboration with related companies.

In addition, various job support programs such as algorithm lectures, career mentoring sessions for developers, and corporate briefings were offered alongside the training. Notably, six participants succeeded in securing early employment during the program.

Throughout the project stages, participants received guidance and real-time feedback from current developers acting as mentors, honing their skills. In the final presentation held just before the ceremony, they showcased high-quality, practical results in front of corporate representatives.

Since its launch in 2022, “Spharos Academy” has produced 157 participants over five cohorts, with 96 successfully securing employment—an average employment rate of 61.1%. The program has become a representative success story of Busan’s youth policy.

In particular, 53.1% of employed graduates found jobs in local companies, and the matching rate with software firms in the region continues to improve.

Employers that have hired graduates include major companies nationwide such as Shinsegae I&C, BNK System, Webcash Group, Danal, Shinhan DS, Nongshim NDS, Hanwha Systems, and CJ Logistics.

Kim Gui-ok, Director General of the Youth Industry-Academic Cooperation Bureau, stated, “Spharos Academy, operated as part of Shinsegae I&C’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, has served as a stepping stone for young people entering the industrial field. The passion and potential shown by this cohort will shine brightly on Busan’s future,” adding, “Busan Metropolitan City will continue its efforts to create an environment where young people can challenge themselves freely and settle in the region.”