Issue date: May 2, 2024
Issuing unit: Competitive Athletics Division
Unit contact person: Associate Researcher Wu Cheng-kun
Tel.: 02-8771-1861
E-mail:z017@mail.sa.gov.tw
Media contact person: Section Chief Luca Hsia (Hsai Shu-rong)
Tel.: 02-8771-1859
E-mail：lucahsia@mail.sa.gov.tw
To broaden the range of employment opportunities for athletes, the Sports Administration (SA) has commissioned National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) to carry out the "Pilot Program for Counselling Athletes to Undertake Semiconductor Industry Talent Training" from 2023 to 2027. It is anticipated that there will be three sessions, each lasting for two years. Currently, the first session has successfully paired 25 athletes with enterprises, and they attend advanced occupational training courses at the NUK for two days a week. The registration for the second session began on March 25 this year and will conclude on July 5. University graduates who have competed in the six major domestic sports competitions (the National Games, the Citizens Sports Games, the National Indigenous Games, the National Disabled Games, the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games, the National High School Games) or represented the national team are eligible to apply. Additionally, participants in university leagues or top finishers in national single sports association competitions may also apply. Exceptional athletes open to cross-disciplinary challenges are encouraged to register.
Boldly taking on challenges and overcoming difficulties are the characteristics of outstanding athletes, and they are also the criteria for talent selection in the technology industry. In this session, six major companies, namely ASE, OSE, Yageo, Taiflex, WinWay, and Walton are participating in this program. The employment first, training after method ensures employment. Athletes start as basic technicians and complete basic training and advanced training within 2 years. After passing the assessment, they can be promoted to positions such as engineer or site manager. NUK. has planned a caring and counseling system, including providing timely spiritual care, study guidance, career consultation, etc. to students to help them find stable employment.
The SA stated that caring for outstanding retired athletes is an important government policy. It provides diversified career development opportunities for outstanding athletes in accordance with the "Counseling Program for Outstanding Athletes" approved by the Executive Yuan. The counseling measures include "Counseling and matching for service as full-time sports coaches", "Promoting hiring of outstanding athletes by private groups ", "Promoting hiring of sports instructors by companies", "Cultivating talents in the sports industry", "Providing credit guarantees, interest subsidies and entrepreneurial assistance" and "Prioritizing listing for sports lottery dealer qualification", to give athlete more diverse choice.