Providing Local on-the-Job Training Opportunities in New Zealand for Fisheries University Students

- A four-week training program for selected fisheries college students starting Monday, January 13

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that college students selected to participate in the 2024 Training Program for Fisheries University Students—which is part of the Fisheries Cooperation Project for the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA)—will undergo a four-week training program starting Monday, January 13.

 The Korea-New Zealand Fisheries Cooperation Project was introduced in 2016 to provide opportunities for acquiring advanced fisheries know-how at specialized fisheries education institutions in New Zealand following the signing of the Korea-New Zealand FTA in December 2015. As part of this initiative, the Fisheries Student Training Program selects university students from fisheries-related departments and offers them a four-week local training opportunity in Nelson, New Zealand during their winter break.

 This year, 59 fisheries university students applied for the program with 5 finalists selected after document screening and interviews, for a final acceptance rate of 11.8:1.

 Selected students will receive on-the-job training in New Zealand, including theory related to the fisheries industry and hands-on experience in advanced aquaculture and processing technologies. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to enhance their communication skills by practicing English conversation throughout the training period.

 “On-site job training and education in New Zealand are an important opportunity to gain global competitiveness for students intending to work in the future fisheries industry. We will continue our efforts to foster next-generation leaders by expanding and support the advancement of Korea’s fisheries industry into a high-value-added sector in the future,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.