By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI, President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Daejeon Regional Human Resources Development Council and Hyundai Vocational Training School on July 28, 2025 to bolster Korea’s industry-ready talent development through practical, hands-on education.

The MoU, signed on July 25 at the KGCCI office in Seoul, outlines the three organizations’ commitment to jointly promote field-oriented vocational training programs aligned with real-world industry needs. The agreement also paves the way for collaborative curriculum development and the exchange of information, technologies, and human resources — setting the foundation for a more integrated and regionally anchored industry-academia cooperation in Daejeon.

A key outcome of the agreement is the expansion of the German Ausbildung program—a dual vocational training system that combines company-based practical training and academic education. Previously limited to vocational high school students in Korea, the program will now be open to adult learners, including those seeking mid-career transitions into technical fields such as automotive maintenance. This shift reflects increasing demand for lifelong learning pathways and more inclusive access to industry-relevant skills.

“Expanding Ausbildung to include adult learners is a meaningful step toward building a more inclusive and future-oriented workforce,” said Marie Antonia von Schönburg, President & CEO of KGCCI. “KGCCI is committed to scaling this model and setting a new benchmark for sustainable, industry-driven skills development that benefits both companies and individuals.”

KGCCI introduced the Ausbildung program in Korea in 2017, in collaboration with German automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz Korea and BMW Group Korea. Subsequently, Daimler Truck Korea and MAN Truck & Bus Korea joined in 2018, followed by Volkswagen Group Korea in 2019 and Porsche Korea in 2021. Currently, five Korean colleges are participating in four different Ausbildung professions – general auto maintenance, car body, and painting and service advising. The program has seen an impressive growth that around 450 trainees and 330 trainers are currently involved in the program, operating at 145 service centers. A total of 270 trainees have successfully completed the program.