Premier Jiang Yi-huah today highlighted the importance of reviving vocational education as he began a two-day visit to several vocational universities and schools accompanied by Administrative Deputy Minister Chen Der-hwa of the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Jiang's tour follows up on the launch of an MOE program to promote universities of science and technology at the beginning of this year, which aims to develop practical curricula clearly distinct from those of academic universities and strengthen talent training and R&D transfers that meet industry needs.
Jiang first arrived at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology and met with representatives of vocational schools and businesses from the Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas in a seminar, where he heard their suggestions and viewpoints on issues ranging from funding for vocational talents and venture capital for design and innovation to systemic deregulation.
"Vocational education is the backbone of Taiwan's economic growth, as it is the most important source of the country's human resources," the premier said. "Not all of the nation's talents are doctorate-holding high-level researchers; in fact, it is those cultivated through the vocational education system (including vocational high schools, universities of science and technology and junior colleges) that have brought balanced development among Taiwan's industries.
"Most households have many people who graduated from schools on the vocational track, and they have in large part accounted for the talents of different skill levels needed at each stage of economic growth. Hence, it is essential for the government to not only maintain Taiwan's strength in vocational education but also continually improve it."
The premier explained that the government many years ago launched an educational reform with a focus on increasing the number of high schools and universities so as to ensure all students were equipped with college-level academic knowledge. These efforts took a toll on vocational education, however, as its special qualities were overlooked by and indistinct to many.
"The desire to enhance well-rounded education or higher education is understandable, but in the process of doing so vocational education, which had a good foundation, was slowly marginalized and losing its focus. People used to debate the pros and cons of this policy, but the last couple of decades have given us a clear answer," he said.
Jiang said that when he met with important figures from education circles and industries, he heard a lot of worries over the vocational education system's fault lines and brain drain. "Many college graduates from the vocational education track are unable to meet the demands of industries, and their college and post-graduate degrees also make them uninterested in the jobs of their parents' generation—in becoming mechanics, for instance. What they fail to realize is that the work of traditional mechanics has changed, and now it is a very sophisticated and hi-tech production activity," the premier said.
"The problem for Taiwan now is that it wants to make bigger breakthroughs in the economy, but it is not able to supply the necessary talents and human resources," Jiang indicated. To address this, the MOE, the Council of Labor Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs have in recent years worked together to facilitate the transition from education and training to employment.
"The government pledges to inject more funding in order to revive vocational education and ensure an endless supply of talents for economic growth," he said. "This firm policy guideline will require steady implementation. Budgets for next year will be drafted to meet three goals—spurring economic growth, matching talents with suitable jobs, and enhancing education—and the government will do everything possible to ensure funding for vocational education is used in the best and most practical ways.
"The government can offer assistance in funding, systemic reform and regulations, but the rest will be up to the education sector, which must cultivate students with good ethics, professional skills and positive working attitudes," the premier said. He also called on businesses to hire more workers with vocational education and to give them opportunities to grow in their careers. "Boosting vocational education requires the cooperative efforts of both the public and private sectors," he stated.
Afterward, the premier visited National Nei-pu Senior Agricultural-Industrial Vocational High School (NPVS) to witness a demonstration of its special courses and its students' accomplishments. He also spoke about what he perceives as the biggest difference between vocational education and traditional education.
"Teachers on the academic track instruct their students in how to do academic research. These talents can lead a school to do cutting-edge research, advancing Taiwanese inventions and academia by leaps and bounds.
"Nations need more than just academic researchers, however. Industries large and small all require the contributions of teachers and students with technical and vocational backgrounds. These talents' biggest asset is their pragmatism: they have the ability to convert theoretical knowledge into practical skills. They can play a bigger role in all industrial activities.
"Numerous students nurtured by the vocational school system have professional specialties in different areas. They enter every part of society and become pillars of support. I very much expect vocational education to be administered well and stably, and I believe the MOE is working in this direction, as well.
"I affirm that NVPS has special characteristics in every aspect of education. Only those with such features and with creativity can find a place in this competitive world," the premier emphasized. "I expect NVPS to continue developing in this direction. I also expect the MOE to provide all schools that are genuinely dedicated to teaching with the awards and support they deserve to help them educate even better."
Jiang pointed out that the foremost objective of his two-day trip to Pingtung, Kaohsiung and Tainan is to visit vocational schools to ascertain their conditions and hold forums, where he hopes to hear questions and suggestions from different circles about the links between testing, training, learning and employment.
The third school the premier visited was National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism. At the invitation of the university, he planted a tree in a campus grove of commemorative trees from well-known people to mark his visit. He then visited the school's sensory education classrooms for wine tasting and aromatic identification as well as its educational food culture exhibition hall.
Inside the training kitchen, he donned a chef's uniform and joined the students in making a pan-fried salmon under the direction of the head chef, winning warm applause. After that, Jiang attended a practice buffet coordinated by students and teachers of Western cuisine and expressed high praise of their professional performance.
Executive Yuan Deputy Secretary-General Chien Tai-lang; Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission Deputy Minister Fan Chiang Tai-chi, Southern Taiwan Joint Services Center Director Gong Ruey-wei and Hakka Affairs Deputy Minister Li Chao-ming were among those who accompanied the premier on today's visits.