'2024 Gyeonggi Province Skills Competition' Opens on April 1st

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] The '2024 Gyeonggi Province Skills Competition,' which selects the finest skilled technicians representing Gyeonggi Province, opened its curtain on April 1st at Suwon Convention Center.

The 'Gyeonggi Province Skills Competition' is jointly hosted by Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Province Office of Education and organized by the Gyeonggi-Incheon Regional Headquarters of the Korea Human Resources Development Service. The five-day event runs from April 1st to 5th across five regions in the province including Suwon, Ansan, and Namyangju.

The competition features a total of 49 events spanning traditional manufacturing, services, and emerging industries, including mechanical design, welding, floristry, cooking, 3D printing, and industrial drone control. A total of 513 skilled technicians will compete for approximately 150 medals, showcasing the skills they have honed over time.

By venue: △Suwon Convention Center, the open competition venue, will host 6 trades (80 participants) △Ansan Industrial High School, the main venue, will host 9 trades (83 participants) △Namyangju Industrial High School will host 5 trades (39 participants) △Bucheon Industrial High School will host 6 trades (40 participants) △Gyeonggi Management High School will host 5 trades (57 participants) △Samilar High School will host 7 trades (87 participants) △Suwon Information Science High School will host 3 trades (51 participants) △Gyeonggi Automotive Science High School will host 5 trades (49 participants) △Gyeonggi Smart High School will host 3 trades (27 participants).

Award winners will receive certificates and medals, along with prize money of up to 1.3 million won, as well as exemptions from practical tests for relevant skilled worker certifications. Among these, approximately 150 medalists in gold, silver, bronze, and excellence categories will have the opportunity to represent Gyeonggi Province at the 59th National Skills Competition to be held in North Gyeongsang Province in August.

All competition venues are open to the public for free viewing. In particular, at the open competition venue of the Convention Center, a skilled technology experience center and job fair will be operated, allowing visitors to experience fourth industrial revolution skilled technologies such as autonomous vehicle experience and drone operation simulations, while middle and high school students will be given opportunities for career counseling and educational and career exploration.

The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 200 distinguished guests including Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province, Superintendent of Education Im Tae-hee, and Korea Human Resources Development Service President Lee Woo-young, who encouraged the competition participants and event officials.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province said on the day, "Gyeonggi Province is a source of pride for the Republic of Korea in fostering technical professionals with a long-standing tradition," and added, "I hope young people will inherit the traditions of their predecessors and grow into skilled technicians who will surpass their predecessors and lead the future Republic of Korea."

Meanwhile, the 'Skills Competition,' a festival of Korea's finest skilled technicians, is being held simultaneously in all 17 cities and provinces nationwide, including Gyeonggi Province.