SK Hynix certifies 18 semiconductor tech masters

SK Hynix certifies 18 semiconductor tech masters. March. 28, 2017 07:30. by Dong-Jin Shin shine@donga.com. A production line employ of SK Hynix was designated as master. This marks the first time that a production worker in semiconductor industry has earned the title of a master in Korea.

On Monday, SK Hynix selected 18 men with more than 15 years of on the ground experiences in semiconductor manufacturing to endow them with the title of a tech master.

“You are not only an expert with the highest levels of skills and experiences but also a role model held in high regard by colleagues,” said SK Hynix Vice President Park Seong-wook, encouraging them to grow further into semiconductor experts by harnessing opportunities provided by the company and tapping into their potential capacities.

The tech masters went through a multi-faceted eval‎uation process examining various criteria such as possession of expert certificates, patent registration, thesis record, and volunteering activities. A worker capable of translating equipment manuals in English, Japanese, and Chinese, and an employee who has earned a master mechanic certificate in three different fields were included in the list of the “first tech masters” selected this time.

SK Hynix is planning to achieve the twin goals of improving technologies and innovating the business environment. The master accreditation system was introduced to enhance technological competence as the criteria for the wage and rank system of production workers shifted into competence and performance during last year’s collective wage negotiation. The tech masters will also be give the role of imparting their knowledge to younger workers to help build their expertise. One of the perks for the tech masters includes a monthly allowance.

There have been some cases where an R&D expert or a product designer was given the status of a “master” in Korean semiconductor industry. Samsung put in place a master accreditation system for its R&D workers in 2009. SK Hynix also has a similar system.