Taiwan's Ministry of Labor Offers Up to NT$100,000 Training Subsidy for Workers Aged 45+ – Available to Both Employed and Job Seekers

To support middle-aged and older individuals in enhancing digital skills, developing second specializations, creating opportunities for post-retirement slash careers, and facilitating successful re-employment, Taiwan's Ministry of Labor is implementing multiple vocational training subsidy programs under the Employment Promotion Act for Middle-Aged and Older Workers. Among them, the 'Industry Talent Investment Scheme' provides employed workers aged 45 and above with up to NT$100,000 in training subsidies over three years. Eligible courses include computer basics, video editing, electrical and plumbing repair, and the latest topics such as AI and ChatGPT. Certain target groups are eligible for 100% full subsidies. Below is a comprehensive guide to the application process.

2026 Industry Talent Investment Scheme: Nearly 600 Diverse Practical Courses Launched

The Ministry of Labor's 'Industry Talent Investment Scheme' partners with over 200 high-quality training providers to offer diverse, industry-relevant practical courses. In addition to high-tech, green energy, and language courses, the program includes a wide range of practical skills:

- Technology and Digital Applications: Computer information technology, AI applications, video editing. - Practical Skills and Repairs: Electrical and plumbing repair workshops, air conditioner cleaning, maintenance, and basic repairs, electric vehicle electromechanical integration. - Workplace Communication and Hosting: Professional event hosting techniques, instructor stage presence, and spoken expression development. - Foreign Languages and Diverse Fields: Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, as well as finance, food and beverage culture, beauty, and more.

Eligibility Criteria for the Ministry of Labor's Training Subsidy

- Middle-aged and older employed workers aged 45 or above. - Insured under employment insurance, labor insurance, labor occupational injury insurance, or farmer health insurance. - Enrolled in diversified, practice-oriented training courses offered by designated training providers.

Required Documents for Applying for the Ministry of Labor's Training Subsidy

- Copy of both sides of the national ID card. - Copy of the cover page of a domestic financial institution savings account in the applicant's name. - Trainee basic information form. - Subsidy trainee training contract. - Subsidy application form.

Application Process for the Ministry of Labor's Training Subsidy (4 Steps: Pay First, Reimburse Later)

1. Membership Registration: Register as a member on the 'Taiwan Employment Portal' website.

2. Online Enrollment: Enroll online via the 'On-the-Job Training Network' one month before the course starts (eligibility reviewed in order of application).

3. Attend and Pay: After acceptance, pay the full training fee and complete the course.

4. Receive Subsidy: Upon successful completion, the training provider assists in applying for the government subsidy, which is then deposited into the designated account.

Three Situations That Do Not Qualify for Subsidy

Although the subsidy targets a broad group, individuals with the following insurance record annotations or conditions are ineligible:

- 'Xun' (Training) annotation: Currently receiving vocational training at a government-registered training institution. - 'Cai' (Layoff) annotation: Self-insured at the original employer after being laid off and terminated. - Self-insured due to occupational injury: Terminated and withdrawn from insurance due to a workplace injury, then self-insured at the original employer.

Choosing the Right Program by Status: Government's Three Major Mid-Career Training Subsidy Programs

| Status | Subsidy Program | Subsidy Content and Amount | |--------|------------------|----------------------------| | Employed Workers | Industry Talent Investment Scheme / Employer-Sponsored On-the-Job Training Subsidy | Up to NT$100,000 subsidy over three years; employers receive 70% subsidy (up to NT$300,000). | | Preparing for Re-employment | Training Subsidy for Middle-Aged and Older Workers Preparing for Post-Retirement Employment | 70% subsidy for employers, up to NT$500,000 per company annually. | | Involuntarily Unemployed | Pre-Employment Training and Living Allowance | 100% full tuition subsidy, plus a living allowance up to 60% of the previous job's average salary during training. |

Mid-Career Training Subsidy FAQ Guide

Q: What is the maximum subsidy amount under the Industry Talent Investment Scheme?

A: Eligible employed workers can receive up to NT$100,000 in training subsidies within three years. Specific vulnerable or middle-aged groups qualify for 100% full subsidies.

Q: Can I apply for the subsidy if my labor insurance record shows 'Xun' or 'Cai'?

A: No. Individuals with 'Xun' (currently in public-funded training) or 'Cai' (self-insured after layoff at original employer) annotations do not qualify.

Q: What learning support is available for middle-aged individuals who lost their jobs involuntarily?

A: The government offers fully free pre-employment training, and trainees receive a living allowance up to 60% of their previous job's average salary during training, ensuring basic living support throughout the learning period.