SK program is open to applicants of all nationalities, places of residence
Ulsan, in collaboration with SK AX, has officially launched the **SK AI Leader Academy (SKALA)**, a groundbreaking initiative designed to cultivate **industry-ready artificial intelligence professionals**. This strategic program aims to expand high-caliber AI education and employment opportunities beyond the Greater Seoul metropolitan area, focusing on regional development.
Known as SKALA, this **employment-linked AI training program** offers a unique blend of practical **AI skills development** and direct recruitment pathways. The comprehensive five-month curriculum was meticulously crafted by **SK AX**, SK Group’s specialized affiliate for **AI transformation**, and will be delivered by experienced instructors from the company itself.
Hosted at Ulsan College, the academy is set to run twice annually over the next five years. Participants will benefit from access to various college facilities, including cafeterias and sports amenities, mirroring the privileges of enrolled students, as confirmed by Ulsan College.
For its inaugural class, a total of 130 promising students have been selected, marking a significant start to this **regional AI education** endeavor.
The selection process for applicants involves an online application followed by an interview, both managed by SK AX. Emphasizing inclusivity, the program is **open to all qualified individuals**, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence, SK AX informed The Korea Herald.
Participants of the SK AI Leader Academy receive substantial support, including **full tuition scholarships** and a generous monthly stipend of up to 1.5 million won (approximately $1,000). Furthermore, they will be mentored by professionals from the renowned **SK Group** and gain **preferential consideration** in the company’s recruitment processes, offering a direct route to **AI career opportunities**.
This impactful partnership sees Ulsan providing essential administrative and policy support, while SK AX takes the lead in overseeing the advanced curriculum and delivering **hands-on AI training**. Ulsan College contributes by providing the state-of-the-art facilities necessary for the academy’s operation.
The city highlights that this academy represents a crucial expansion of **SK Group’s AI education initiative**, extending its reach beyond Greater Seoul to foster talent in key regional hubs like Ulsan. The primary goal is to forge a strong connection between advanced **AI training** and **local employment**, encouraging **young professionals** to establish and grow their careers within Ulsan.
Ulsan Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs Seo Nam-gyo underscored the program’s significance, stating, “In an era where **artificial intelligence** dictates industrial competitiveness, people are our most vital asset, and it is talent that ultimately shapes a city’s future.” He added, “SKALA’s Ulsan campus will equip local young individuals with **top-tier AI education** and **employment opportunities**, while simultaneously providing regional companies with the highly skilled professionals crucial for driving **industrial AI transformation**.”
SK AX has also announced the successful launch of a similar **AI training program** in Gwangju, further cementing its commitment to national AI talent development.
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