POSCO is passing on its field expertise through the Master Craftsman program, presenting a growth vision for future generations and enhancing its human competitiveness.
The POSCO Master Craftsman program was introduced in 2015 to select employees who combine world-class technical skills and character, aiming to elevate the honor of technical positions and impart steelmaking technology.
The POSCO Master Craftsman is selected through a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond simple technical proficiency, considering contributions to the company and character as well. Selected Master Craftsmen receive various benefits, such as special promotions to the first level, congratulatory bonuses, and paid leave. Even after retirement, they are given the opportunity to work as technical consultants, imparting accumulated know-how to younger generations.
This year, Shin Jae-seok, the part head of the Rolling Equipment Department at the Pohang steelworks, was selected as a POSCO Master Craftsman on the 16th. After joining in 1987, Shin has been recognized for his top-level technical skills in the rolling machinery field. He significantly contributed to productivity and quality improvement through the strengthening of equipment and the integration of new technologies based on high-precision cold rolling equipment technology.
Shin noted, "To ensure quality and equipment stability, I will utilize my experience and abilities to become a POSCO Master Craftsman who dedicates myself to the company and younger generations with a broader perspective."
So far, a total of 29 POSCO Master Craftsmen have been produced, including 14 in operations, 13 in equipment, 1 in research, and 1 in safety. The POSCO Master Craftsman has established itself as a symbol of POSCO's technological competitiveness and field-centered management.
The background behind POSCO being rated as the most competitive steelmaker in the world for 15 consecutive years is its field technology. Master Craftsmen lead the enhancement of fundamental competitive power at the forefront. In fact, POSCO Master Craftsmen are actively involved in various activities such as field technical support, imparting skills to younger employees, training new employees, conducting special lectures at the corporate university, and managing equipment for partner and client companies to enhance the overall technological competitiveness of the steel industry.
Master Craftsman Son Byeong-geun received the Order of Industrial Service Merit (Silver Tower) for his contributions to the development of processing technology for automotive coated steel sheets and productivity improvement during the Iron Day ceremony this June. In 2024, Master Craftsman Lee Seon-dong received the Gold Tower Industrial Medal, the first among POSCO field employees.
Employees selected as POSCO Master Craftsmen are permanently inducted into the POSCO Hall of Fame, with their names and achievements recognized for their contributions to the development and innovation of the company. The Hall of Fame also includes POSCO founding members, past CEOs, and Master Craftsmen listed side by side.
To honor the POSCO Master Craftsmen, who serve as role models for field staff, POSCO published a book titled "POSCO Master Craftsmen" in 2023, featuring interviews with 24 Master Craftsmen. This has helped to spread awareness of POSCO's field-first corporate culture and human competitiveness.
POSCO plans to foster a culture of respect and appreciation for technical artisans and enhance employee pride through various institutional supports, including the Master Craftsman program.