The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) announced on the 14th that it has begun accepting applications for integrated education and welfare services for participants of the performance-based compensation program.
The performance-based compensation program is a system that promotes long-term employment of key personnel in small and medium-sized enterprises through two initiatives: the 'Tomorrow Filling Fund' and the 'Preferred Savings Plan for Employees.' The education and welfare services targeting approximately 110,000 program participants aim to enhance the capabilities of employees and improve welfare standards.
This application process has restructured the individual application method for education and welfare programs into a single integrated application system. Participants can choose and apply for desired programs based on their needs. A total of 7,055 people are expected to be recruited.
The education sector consists of a total of four programs: English camp, distance learning, online education, and education vouchers. A native speaker English camp for elementary school children (grades 3-6) will be simultaneously held for three days and two nights at four training centers nationwide in Ansan, Busan and Gyeongnam (Jinhae), Honam (Gwangju), and Daegu and Gyeongbuk (Gyeongsan) from August 5 to 7.
Participants can take distance learning using digital reading content such as Millie's Library and Willa for three months, and can also access more than 1,000 job and qualification-related online courses for free through the small and medium-sized enterprise training institute's e-learning platform (SSUP). The education voucher program provides support for external professional training worth 100,000 won per person.
The welfare sector includes support for summer vacation coupons, free experiential vacations in rural villages, and discounts in online welfare malls. It supports vacation coupons up to 200,000 won in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). These coupons can be used at major accommodations and travel destinations nationwide.
Applications can be made on the Tomorrow Filling Fund website. The eligible participants include those enrolled in the Tomorrow Filling Fund (including young employees) and the Preferred Savings Plan for Employees.
KOSME President Kang Seok-jin noted, "Education and welfare services are expected to enhance benefits for participants of the performance-based compensation program and contribute to promoting the long-term employment and capability enhancement of key personnel in small and medium-sized enterprises."