Practical Experience Workshop on Smart Machinery: Cultivating the Next Generation of Talent

With the rapid advancement of technology, smart machinery has become a key sector in the industry, and the demand for professionals with specialized skills continues to grow. To cultivate the next generation of smart machinery talent, the Machine Tool Association, with enthusiastic support from its directors and member companies, established a Smart Machinery Talent Training Center at Hualien Industrial High School in 2022. The goal is to expand hands-on mechanical training facilities, enabling more students from remote eastern regions to acquire professional skills.

Following the establishment of the training center, the association organized the “Smart Machinery Practical Experience Workshop” to enrich the knowledge and resources available to students in rural areas and to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.

This year’s workshop was held from July 8 to 11, emphasizing not only theoretical instruction but also hands-on experience. Leading companies—Yong Chuan Machinery, Taichung Precision Machinery, and Aiwei Technology—joined the event. Industry experts taught students the latest technical trends and operational skills, utilizing both the school’s existing machinery and donated tools such as turning and milling cutters and integrated electromechanical control panels. Through machine operation, students gained invaluable practical experience, adding significant highlights to the workshop.

The camp was divided into two groups: Mechanical Design and Electromechanical Integration, allowing students to choose based on their interests and expertise. The Mechanical Design group focused on fostering creative thinking and design capabilities, learning to use CAD and CAM software for lathe and milling machine design and programming. The Electromechanical Integration group concentrated on equipment installation, adjustment, and mastering the fundamentals of automation control.

Yong Chuan Machinery’s General Manager, Lin Jianyou, explained:
“We hope this workshop will narrow the gap between advanced vocational skills and industry requirements. By aligning courses with industry needs and combining expert instruction with hands-on practice, we can effectively guide students toward understanding and engaging with the sector.”

Aiwei Technology’s General Manager, Chen Jianren, added:
“We eagerly anticipate that these highly promising students will gain new experiences in the electromechanical field through interactive teaching, acquire new knowledge, and broaden their interests.”

Wu Wenbin, Manager of Taichung Precision Machinery’s Customer Service Department, stated:
“Taichung Precision Machinery is committed to developing five-axis and multi-axis machining technologies, which are the core of future high-end industries. By involving experts in the workshop, we aim to help students understand the professional skills required by the industry, spark their interest and potential, and encourage more students to enter the precision machining field. This will inject new momentum into Taiwan’s high-end precision machining sector and enhance its global competitiveness.”

The workshop attracted over 20 teachers and students from Hualien Industrial High School and Gongdong Industrial High School. It not only enriched students’ learning resources but also guided them to explore the industry and consider future career paths.

The event received high praise. A student from Gongdong Industrial High School said:
“This camp taught me many things I couldn’t learn in the classroom. The hands-on experience gave me a deeper understanding of mechanical design.”

A student from Hualien Industrial High School shared:
“This activity sparked my interest in electromechanical integration. I hope to continue learning in this field in the future.”

Teachers also expressed appreciation. Teacher Qiu from Gongdong Industrial High School commented:
“This camp provided students with excellent practical opportunities and inspired their potential and enthusiasm! We hope to see more activities like this in the future to give students access to more learning resources.”

Through this event, students were able to choose learning paths suited to their interests and strengths, enhancing their motivation and professional skills. Hands-on practice not only taught technical knowledge but also cultivated teamwork and problem-solving abilities, laying a solid foundation for future careers.

Observations from the workshop revealed that although students in eastern rural areas face limitations in resources due to family or environment, they still demonstrate immense potential. The association has established an Industry-Academia Promotion Committee to encourage member companies to engage in internships, participate in curriculum design, introduce expert co-teaching, and conduct collaborative research. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between enterprises and students, providing more learning resources and opportunities so they can master practical skills and realize their self-worth.

The Machine Tool Association plans to continue hosting similar workshops in eastern Taiwan and expand their scope to benefit more students in remote areas.

The successful organization of the Smart Machinery Practical Experience Workshop not only provided valuable learning opportunities for rural students but also offered strong support for talent development in the industry. With joint efforts from all parties, these students are expected to become the backbone of the smart machinery sector, leading future industrial trends.