지방 중소기업 취업 청년에 2년간 월 100만원 지원

The South Korean government has announced a plan to provide up to 100 million won per month for the next two years to young people employed by local and small-medium enterprises (SMEs). This initiative aims to bridge the wage gap between large companies and SMEs, and expand the training programs for young talent in advanced fields to 30 million by 2030.

The government will also set up a separate track for young workers in SMEs, with a separate target of 10 million. Additionally, a new platform called "Youth Playground" will match job seekers with businesses and public institutions seeking talent, particularly in areas like smart manufacturing. The wage support for young employees in SMEs will be extended to cover the whole country, with a maximum of 1.8 million won annually.

The plan also includes a higher government matching rate of up to 25% for SMEs, and a longer eligibility period for the Youth Culture Pass, now extending to age 34. The government estimates that this policy, combined with public jobs and vocational training initiatives, will create employment opportunities for over 90,000 young people.