Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Republic of Korea (Ratification: 1994)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in September 2008, including replies to the Committee’s previous direct request. The Committee notes that the Government has increased investment in skills development and training for the unemployed, those who are disadvantaged and for non-regular workers. In so doing, the number of trainees increased from 1.97 million persons in 2002 to 3.68 million persons in 2007.

Article 1, paragraph 5, of the Convention. Equal opportunities. The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government to develop women’s vocational competencies through the provision of support to private institutions in respect of the employment of women. The Committee also notes that the Government intends to implement plans in the future which are aimed at supporting vocational guidance and training for both regular and non-regular female workers. In particular, the Committee notes that the Ministry of Labour is planning to extend the operation of the existing programme, and to this end; (i) housewives who complete a training course will be offered opportunities for job placement; (ii) e-learning programmes will be developed and distributed; and (iii) the operation of short-term adjustment training for housewives will be expanded. The Government also indicates that it will prepare stable financial resources and develop the system so as to provide continuous support for start-up businesses established by women, who are also the head of the household. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that it intends to introduce the employee skills development card, in which training expenses are subsidized directly to non-regular workers, and under which workers can choose and access training services through various training institutes. The Committee refers to its comments concerning the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and asks the Government to include in its next report on Convention No. 142 information on the effectiveness and impact of the measures taken to encourage and enable all workers, in particular women and young persons, on an equal basis, to develop and use their capabilities to work in their own best interest and in accordance with their own aspirations.

Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3. Vocational guidance information. The Government indicates that the Korean Employment Information Service provides employment information and implements the vocational guidance policies. The Committee also takes note of the development of job information documentation which is aimed at assisting persons to make career choices. In addition, the Committee notes the development of psychological tests aimed at helping students, young persons, the unemployed and the disadvantaged determine their job choice. The Committee asks the Government to continue to supply information on the activities of the Korean Employment Information Service, particularly in respect of the development of information and guidance on the choice of occupation, vocational training, and related educational opportunities to assure the effectiveness of vocational guidance policies.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the information provided on the organization of the Employment Policy Council, which comprises representatives of the Government and social partners. The Committee also notes the detailed information provided on the activities of the Employment Policy Council. The Committee notes in this regard that the Employment Policy Council includes a Skills Development Technical Committee. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the outcome of consultations held with employers’ and workers’ organizations, including through the Skills Development Technical Committee, on the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.