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Busan Trade Rookie Program Proves a New Model for Local Youth Jobs and Global Careers

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□ Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that the “Busan Trade Rookie” program, a Busan-style trade talent development initiative, is solidifying its position as a representative example of local talent development, based on increasing application competition, high training satisfaction, and strong job-placement outcomes.
○ Launched in 2022 following a tripartite agreement among Busan Metropolitan City, the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, and the Korea International Trade Association, the “Busan Trade Rookie” program is a local trade workforce development course. Marking its fifth year this year, it has produced a total of 199 “Trade Rookies” (newcomers to the trade field) to date.

□ The “Busan Trade Rookie” program is contributing simultaneously to strengthening young people’s global competitiveness and addressing workforce supply gaps in local industries through a practice-oriented training model that follows the sequence of “training → practicum → employment.”
○ Of the 199 graduates produced over the past four years, 131 have found jobs in related fields, recording an employment rate of 65.8%. In particular, excluding the fourth cohort in 2025, whose graduates are currently seeking jobs, cohorts 1 through 3 recorded a high employment rate of 79%, with 114 of 144 graduates employed.
○ The employment rate in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region rose sharply from 56% for the third cohort to 70% for the fourth cohort, providing tangible support for meeting local companies’ workforce demand and expanding youth hiring.
○ In addition, eight graduates have broadened their career horizons by gaining employment overseas, including in the United States and Japan.

□ In particular, starting in 2026, the program was the only one in Busan selected for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ newly established “Local Youth Talent Support Program for Overseas Diplomatic Mission Assignments,” providing up to five outstanding graduates opportunities to work at overseas diplomatic missions starting this year.

□ Moreover, the “Busan Trade Rookie” program goes beyond theory to operate a hands-on, field-oriented curriculum.
○ Through initiatives such as on-site industry visits (POSCO, Samsung Electronics, Busan New Port, etc.), mock export consulting sessions, support for participation in overseas exhibitions (Jakarta and Osaka), and digital trade practicums (in partnership with Dexters), the program intensively strengthens practical capabilities that can be applied immediately in the field.
○ Practicums conducted in parallel with classroom instruction, along with company-collaboration programs, are regarded as key factors that enhance graduates’ competitiveness in recruitment.

□ The program’s outcomes are also reflected in evaluations by both graduates and hiring companies.
○ A graduate from the third cohort said, “Through the Busan Trade Rookie training, I learned the ‘language of the field.’ After learning the basic concepts—such as Incoterms, shipping, and customs clearance documents—and preparing export simulations and mock export consulting sessions myself, I was able to quickly keep up with the flow of work from the very beginning of my employment. The network and mentoring from senior participants were also a great help from job preparation through post-hire adaptation.”
○ A representative from a hiring company said, “Including our affiliates, we currently have four Trade Rookie graduates on staff, and they excel in their understanding of trade practices, work attitude, and character. Their proactive learning and willingness to ask questions stand out, so we want to expand hiring of program graduates and further strengthen linkage with the training course.”

□ Mayor Park Heong-joon said, “The key to this achievement lies in bringing together field-based practice, employment linkage, and overseas experience rather than stopping at theory,” adding, “We will support more local young people so they can grow into essential, job-ready talent needed in the field through continued curriculum advancement and stronger linkages with companies.”