25-Year-Old Disabled Youth Overcomes Years of Unemployment! After Over 100 Interview Practices, Secures Job and Receives NT$30,000 Employment Incentive

Many young people face challenges in their job search due to lack of experience or interview skills, and for people with disabilities, transportation and communication barriers pose even greater difficulties. Xiao-Wei, a 25-year-old person with disabilities from Budai Township, Chiayi County, graduated from vocational high school but struggled with shyness, poor communication skills, and no work experience, leading to five long years of unemployment. Fortunately, with the support of the Labor Ministry’s Puzi Employment Center, he overcame his fear of riding a motorcycle, successfully obtained his driver's license, practiced over 100 mock interviews, and was eventually hired as a cleaner at Puzi Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. He has now worked stably for over two years and successfully received a NT$30,000 job search and employment incentive bonus.

Xiao-Wei’s first major obstacle in his job search was the lack of a driver's license, which severely limited his commuting range. To help expand his job opportunities, employment service staff provided continuous psychological support and guidance, ultimately helping him pass the motorcycle license exam and remove transportation barriers.

Additionally, to address his anxiety and communication difficulties during interviews, the center specially arranged for him to join the 'Pre-Employment Growth Group Program,' where professional instructors conducted one-on-one mock interviews to gradually improve his speaking techniques and interview demeanor. Xiao-Wei demonstrated strong determination to change, practicing mock interviews over 100 times to build confidence and systematically overcome employment challenges.

To identify the most suitable career path, the Puzi Employment Center further utilized the 'Youth Career Excellence Program,' arranging in-depth career counseling, work temperament assessments, and vocational interest exploration for Xiao-Wei. During this process, staff noticed he lacked appropriate interview attire and immediately connected him with the 'Assistance Program for Job Interview Preparation for Specific and Vulnerable Groups,' custom-purchasing interview clothing to enhance his professional appearance.

After six months of meticulous preparation, Xiao-Wei applied with full readiness and was successfully placed as a cleaning staff member at Puzi Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. With his attention to detail and high job stability, he has firmly established himself in the workplace.

To meet the job-seeking needs of youth and vulnerable groups, the Ministry of Labor continues to promote various employment support measures, helping eligible individuals reduce financial burdens and smoothly transition into the workforce.

'Youth Career Excellence Program': Provides eligible youth with in-depth career counseling and job readiness services. Applicants who maintain stable employment for 90 days can apply for a NT$30,000 job search and employment incentive bonus.

'Assistance Program for Job Interview Preparation for Specific and Vulnerable Groups': Reduces interview burdens for disadvantaged job seekers by providing up to NT$2,500 annually for clothing and grooming, and up to NT$3,600 annually for meal and transportation allowances during job interviews.

Zhang Chun-Mei, Director of the Puzi Employment Center, stated that with proper support and workplace guidance, people with disabilities can deliver irreplaceable labor value. Those seeking career counseling or information on job-seeking subsidies are welcome to contact the Puzi Employment Center hotline: (05) 362-1632, where dedicated staff provide comprehensive advisory services.