Source: China Post (10/14/2016), Focus Taiwan (10/13/2016)
The Ministry of Education said on Oct. 13 that the government would launch a new Career Vanguard Program in Aug. 2017 and that 5,000 selected high-school graduates who participate in the program would be offered an allowance of NT$10,000 (US$315) per month for up to three years, to encourage them to work after graduation, instead of going straight to college.
Education Minister Pan Wen-Chung said that President Tsai Ing-Wen had previously mentioned that high school students don't need to rush to apply for university as soon as they graduate, encouraging them to gain work experience first and then consider enrolling in university if they find it necessary.
In addition to getting a sum of up to NT$360,000 (US$11,324) allowance payment from government after three years and monthly wages paid by the cooperating firms, the selected youths will have the opportunity to pursue their interests and to experience life before deciding their future plans. They will be able to choose whether to continue working, go to college for further study, or even start their own businesses.
To encourage companies to join the program, the Ministry of Labor will also offer training fees of NT$5,000 (US$157) per month to cooperating companies for up to two years.