The principal objective of this study is to conduct critical review of long-term targets and consecutive manpower programs for vocational-technical education in the Taiwan Area, the Republic of China, for a period of 15 years from 1966 until 1981. All of this review is directed by the recognition of the needs for manpower supply-demand matching in this Area. Research methods used in this study include literature survey, visiting and interviewing, inquiring and soliciting, and documentary analysis. Based upon the findings secured from the review cited, eight recommendations are made for the purpose of improving and updating vocational-technical education programs for the Taiwan Area during the decade of 1980s. These recommendations are stated as follows: (1) Long-term targets for vocational-technical education programs should be formulated in view of the plans for prolonging the period of compulsory education. (2) Vocational–technical education should carter to the needs of both the pre-job preparation of regular students and the on-the-job training of the young workers. (3) Long-term targets for vocational-technical education should be specific in terms of fields of study instead of program types. (4) Manpower programs for vocational-technical education should be specific in terms of fields of study instead of program types. (5) Industrial training centers and other training programs should be used to support the functions of vocational-technical education, both regular and complementary. (6) The plans for vocational-technical education should cover the needs of re-education or re-training for job transfers. (7) The policy for promoting vocational-technical education should not interfere with the proper function of general education in high schools, both general and vocational. (8) Adequate re-education or re-training programs should be provided for the purpose of remedying the failures of manpower programs in vocational-technical education. |