Samsung Electronics will launch an education program to strengthen young people's job competitiveness.
Samsung Electronics said on the 13th it will recruit trainees for the 16th class of the Samsung Software and AI Academy for Youth (SSAFY). The application period runs from the 27th of this month to May 11. SSAFY is a Samsung Electronics corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that provides tailored job placement support services.
Eligible applicants are job-seeking youth age 29 or younger. University or Meister high school graduates can apply. Applicants fill out an application on the Samsung Software and AI Academy for Youth website, then are selected through the SSAFY aptitude assessment and interview process. Training will run for one year starting in July at five campuses nationwide in Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Gumi, and the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam area (based in Busan).
This 16th curriculum was adjusted to align with the artificial intelligence transformation (AX) trend so trainees can build AI application skills demanded in the field. It is operated based on an AI curriculum jointly designed by Samsung's software and AI training experts and AI faculty from major domestic universities, including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and KAIST. It also includes hands-on programs in collaboration with specialized AI development corporations and projects similar to real-world work. Trainees can also learn data collection, processing, and analysis.
A new robotics project was introduced to respond to the era of physical AI. A robot simulator and actual training kits are provided free of charge so trainees can directly experience the physical implementation process of AI.
To help trainees learn and use AI easily, an online self-directed learning platform, "SSAFY AI Portal," was built. Through diverse educational infrastructure such as graphics processing unit (GPU) servers, 3D (dimensional) printers, and AI tools, an environment is provided where theoretical learning leads to real implementation and practice. To allow trainees to focus solely on developing their skills, a monthly education stipend of 1 million won is also provided. The program runs for two semesters over one year, totaling 1,725 hours at eight hours per day.
SSAFY enhances competencies while leveraging trainees' majors to boost job competitiveness. It supports the entire job preparation process, including one-on-one customized consulting with dedicated career consultants, job fairs, employee mentoring, and startup camps.
About 170 corporations offer benefits such as document screening waivers or additional points in hiring processes for SSAFY graduates. Starting with its first class in December 2018 and through the 12th class, SSAFY has produced a cumulative 10,125 graduates. Of these, 8,566 have found jobs, recording an employment rate of about 85%.