TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te emphasized the significance of technical and vocational education during the 53rd National Skills Competition opening ceremony on Friday (July 14).
Lai encouraged parents to consider vocational education as a viable option for their children, particularly given the government's efforts to address the shortage of skilled workers in the country.
The 53rd National Skills Competition commenced in Taipei on July 14th, and Lai delivered an opening speech to boost the morale of the participants. In his remarks, Lai highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education in Taiwan.
However, he acknowledged the prevailing societal attitudes, especially among parents, that do not prioritize vocational education. Traditional perceptions often associate vocational education with students who are not academically inclined.
Nonetheless, Lai stressed the equal importance of both general and vocational high schools. He mentioned that during his tenure as the mayor of Tainan, he consistently encouraged parents to set aside traditional values and prioritize their children's interests.
Lai pointed out that the government has comprehensive technical and vocational education plans. Students attending vocational high schools can obtain professional certifications to enter the job market or further develop their skills by enrolling in technological universities.
Furthermore, there is significant demand for intermediate-skilled workers in various industries, including mechanical engineering, aviation, and ICT. Lai highlighted the shortage of intermediate-skilled workers in the rapidly expanding wind power generation industry, particularly welding.
Lai emphasized the need to strengthen technical and vocational education promotion continuously. During his tenure as prime minister, Lai urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labor to focus on five key areas to enhance vocational education: increasing the number of industry mentors, upgrading equipment and facilities, establishing production lines to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, enhancing industry-academia cooperation and digital education, and promoting internationalization.
Lai expressed his hope for collaborative efforts between the government, industry, and labor organizations to instill confidence in parents and students regarding vocational education. He aspires to create an environment where all young students can pursue their passions and carve out successful careers.