New Taipei launches program to train students for space industry

新北市啟動培養太空人才星鏈計畫

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei’s Education Department said Tuesday that it has launched a program to train students for careers in the space technology sector.

CNA reported that the program connects elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, vocational centers, and universities into a unified training system. It aims to guide students from early interest to professional skills in space-related fields.

Officials said space technology has expanded beyond scientific research into practical applications such as low Earth orbit satellites and communications. This shift is driving global competition and creating new job opportunities, per Liberty Times.

The program links 16 vocational exploration centers with schools and higher education institutions across the city. Students can begin learning basic concepts at a young age and continue developing advanced skills step by step, per Yahoo News.

CTEE reported that the curriculum covers topics including rockets, small satellites, and sensor applications. Students will also take part in hands-on projects to understand how these technologies are used in real-world settings.

The initiative is structured around three stages: inspiring interest, building skills, and connecting to industry. Officials said this approach helps students explore career paths while gaining practical experience.

The city is also working with private-sector partners to develop teaching materials and train educators. Teachers said this collaboration helps move lessons beyond theory and shows how coding and engineering are applied in real missions.

Educators involved in the program said students are more motivated when they see how classroom knowledge connects to real-world technology. They added that hands-on projects improve both understanding and confidence, per Storm Media.