A 20-year-old, second-generation new immigrant, Cheng Jin-Feng, entered the workforce after graduating from vocational high school to help ease her family's financial burden. Through the Ministry of Labor's "Youth Employment Pilot Program," she started working at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. In addition to her regular salary, she also receives a government subsidy of NT$10,000 per month, allowing her to adapt to the workplace early and establish her career path.
Liu Bang-Dong, Director of the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Branch of the Workforce Development Agency, stated that the "Youth Employment Pilot Program" helps recent high school and vocational school graduates explore the job market by providing a monthly subsidy of NT$10,000, with a maximum total of NT$360,000. This initiative helps young people increase their income, gain practical experience, and use the funds for further education or starting a business after completing the program.
Since childhood, Cheng Jin-Feng has had a passion for cooking and studied culinary arts in high school. To support her family, she joined the program through her teacher's recommendation and was matched with Sushi Express Chiayi High-Speed Rail Store by the Puzi Employment Center under the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Branch of the Workforce Development Agency. She shared that when she first entered the workforce, she felt overwhelmed by the fast-paced operations in both the front and back of the house. However, with guidance from her workplace mentor, she gradually became proficient in food preparation, customer service, and checkout operations, significantly improving her job skills and problem-solving abilities.
The Youth Employment Pilot Program allowed 20-year-old Cheng Jin-Feng to enter the workforce early for hands-on experience and helped her save up a startup fund. (Image / Screenshot from the website of the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Branch, Workforce Development Agency)
She believes that this program not only helped her understand how the workplace operates but also inspired her entrepreneurial dream. She plans to continue her education and eventually open her restaurant. She encourages younger students to join the program to explore their career paths early, ensuring they choose the most suitable direction for their future.
Liu Bang-Dong added that the program also includes workplace mentorship, and employers can receive a training subsidy of NT$5,000 per month with a maximum support period of 24 months. Since its launch in 2017, the program has helped 1,500 young people clarify their career development. More information can be found on the official website (https://youthjob.taiwanjobs.gov.tw/) or by calling (06) 6985945 ext. 1699.
Youth Employment Pilot Program (Image / Screenshot from the website of the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Branch, Workforce Development Agency)
