Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) has been selected as the host institution for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)’s specialized training program for the 'Defense Program Manager' national certification for the second consecutive year, further strengthening its position as a regional hub university for cultivating defense industry professionals.

JBNU launched the 'Defense Program Manager' national certification training program last year, the first such program in the Jeonbuk region, attracting substantial attention. At that time, about 70 applicants applied for 50 available spots, confirming strong demand for specialized training in defense program management and the defense industry. Building on that success, this year JBNU plans to expand the training audience and operate separate tracks for both current students and employees of Jeonbuk-based defense and related companies.

The 'Defense Program Manager' is a nationally recognized certification that verifies professional program management capabilities in the defense sector. It requires understanding and practical skills across the entire defense project lifecycle, including weapon system research and development, mass production, operational deployment, and operations and maintenance. The importance of specialists in defense program management has been growing recently due to factors such as development of advanced weapon systems, expansion of defense exports, adoption of rapid acquisition systems, and the spread of defense AI and unmanned systems.

Last year, JBNU operated an intensive, practice-oriented training program centered on 28 subjects, including the defense planning and management system, project management, and contract systems. This year’s program will again be organized to systematically cover the core theory and practical content required to obtain the Defense Program Manager certification, while being tailored to the characteristics of each target group.

In particular, the most significant distinction this year is the separate operation of student and incumbent employee tracks. The student track will target students from the Department of Advanced Defense Technology and Industry, students majoring in Defense Industry Convergence and related disciplines, and students from universities in the Jeonbuk region. The track will focus on strengthening basic competencies in defense program management and the ability to obtain the certification. Through this, JBNU intends to reinforce students’ practical foundation so they can enter defense companies, defense-related public institutions, research institutes, and testing and evaluation organizations after graduation.

The separately operated employee track for Jeonbuk-based defense and related companies will be a practice-centered program reflecting local industry needs. This course will target employees from some 70 regional defense firms, companies seeking to newly enter the defense sector, existing manufacturers, machinery, materials, and ICT firms preparing to transition into defense, as well as employees of subcontractors and related institutions. The training will focus on defense project procedures, defense program management, contract, cost and quality management, testing and evaluation, defense exports, and understanding of government support programs.

Through this program, JBNU plans to go beyond merely supporting certification acquisition. It aims to contribute to strengthening the practical capabilities of Jeonbuk’s defense companies, supporting market entry, and creating a regional defense industry ecosystem. In particular, JBNU intends to leverage regional industrial potential—such as Saemangeum, the Muju aerospace production complex, and the advanced materials industry base—to broaden the foundation for establishing a region-led defense cluster.

The selection of JBNU as the host institution for the Defense Program Manager specialized training for a second consecutive year is evaluated as evidence of the university’s growth as a central institution in cultivating defense industry professionals, industry–university collaboration, and fostering the regional defense ecosystem.

Kang Eun-ho, former Administrator of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the project’s overall coordinator, said, “JBNU’s selection as the host institution for the Defense Program Manager specialized training for the second consecutive year recognizes JBNU’s capabilities in defense education and its foundation for cultivating regional talent. This year, we will expand the program to include not only students but also employees of Jeonbuk-based defense and related companies, and we will actively support local companies’ entry into the defense sector and the strengthening of practical capabilities.”

Meanwhile, JBNU will announce details on trainee recruitment, the detailed training schedule, training venues, course subjects, and application procedures at a later date.