Former 40-Year-Old Air Force Officer Transitions to Cultural Entrepreneurship, Builds Popular Handmade Homestay After 840-Hour Vocational Training

Military veterans can now seamlessly transition into the cultural and creative sector. Chang Yu-ya, who served for 20 years at an air force seaplane base, chose not to follow the conventional post-military path into plumbing or air conditioning trades. Instead, at age 40, he enrolled in the 840-hour 'Creative Product Vocational Training' program offered by the Yunlin-Chiayi-Nantou Branch of the Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor. Starting with zero computer skills, Chang underwent intensive training and emerged as a full-fledged cultural creator, launching the handmade experience-based homestay 'Jia Nuan Nuan' and the creative brand 'Lao Bei Bei Creative Workshop' in Chiayi.

After graduating from junior high, Chang entered the Air Force NCO School to help support his family, beginning his military career at age 18. As his 20-year service neared its end, he decided to pursue a second career and boldly joined the 'Creative Product Online Marketing Class.' Over six months, under the guidance of instructor Kuo Wen-hsuan, he systematically mastered graphic software, product prototyping, image editing, website architecture, and marketing strategies through hands-on training.

Initially, Chang only intended to add handmade decorations to 'Jia Nuan Nuan,' the courtyard homestay he co-runs with his wife in Chiayi City. However, his passion for creation grew, leading him to establish 'Lao Bei Bei Creative Workshop' (originally named Jiayuan Cultural & Creative Studio). He invited fellow trainees to join as partners, collaboratively developing cultural and creative products.

To fully commit to the creative industry, Chang invested approximately 800,000 NTD in machinery such as laser cutters and 3D printers. Despite fixed monthly operating costs and initial profit fluctuations, he remains committed to handmade experiences over mass production, emphasizing the warmth and personal touch they bring to guests. Currently, the workshop primarily serves guests staying at 'Jia Nuan Nuan,' but future plans include cross-domain collaborations with members of the Chiayi City Homestay Association, allowing more visitors to take home unique, handcrafted souvenirs.

The Yunlin-Chiayi-Nantou Branch is currently accepting applications for its tuition-free vocational training programs until September 29. Affordable dormitory accommodations are provided for out-of-town trainees to reduce living expenses. The fourth cohort of pre-employment training for FY2024 offers practical courses aligned with industry trends, including automatic control (electrical and instrumentation engineering), industrial wiring, smart robotic arms, computer numerical control (CNC) machinery, digital graphic communication (AI graphic design and applications), and practical renovation engineering (masonry). Interested individuals seeking new skills or a second career can visit the official website (https://yct168.wda.gov.tw) for enrollment details or call the hotline at (06) 698-5945 ext. 1099 for consultation.