TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Recently, numerous science and technology institutions have focused on training talents for the semiconductor sector.
One such example is Taipei City University of Science and Technology, which provides courses such as training in the application of electronic circuits.
The school recruits 100 students for education in semiconductor-related skill sets each year.
According to Han-sheng Chuang, associate professor at the Taipei City University of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education's current priority in junior colleges is "to reduce the number of students in the food and catering sector."
"There is a high demand for IT talent, so we hope to attract more students interested in our IT department," he added.
Data from the Ministry of Education shows that in the 2019 academic year, 80,364 students joined the information and communication technology programs at colleges and universities.
This number rose by nearly 1,000 the following year, reaching 83,563 students in 2021, representing a 2.8% increase year on year.
Despite the rising enrollment, experts caution that the semiconductor industry may not sustain its current level of prosperity.
To address this issue, they recommend expanding the recruitment of international students, which would bring immediate benefits to Taiwanese businesses.
"To enhance the recruitment of international students, the Ministry of Education has established English courses and Chinese language classes," said Chen Jhen-kui Chen, the former President of Shih Chien University.
"Offering short-term credit courses relevant to the needs of enterprises can serve as an immediate solution to increase the competitiveness of businesses," Chen added.
Taiwanese schools seek to expand offerings in technical knowledge, focusing on design courses for international students.
The nation faces a talent shortage in the semiconductor industry, and the government, universities, and businesses are collaborating to attract suitable foreign talent to address the issue.