【Comprehensive Hands-on Training: NKUST Railway Base Nurtures the Next Generation of Railway Professionals】

The “Advanced Railway Electromechanical Talent Training Base” at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST), established with the support of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Transportation and Communications, is dedicated to cultivating railway professionals with immediate employability. Through a comprehensive curriculum, practical projects, industry–academia collaboration, and research initiatives, students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, enabling them to seamlessly connect with industry needs. Graduates such as Cheng-Han, who actively engaged in coursework, projects, and R&D from his undergraduate years, have accumulated solid expertise ranging from circuit board soldering to metro door control system development, and are able to contribute directly to the Railway Technology Center upon graduation.

The base has built advanced teaching facilities, including simulation consoles, interlocking training systems, and automatic fare collection systems, creating highly realistic learning environments. It also brings in industry experts and resources, offering courses that span foundational and advanced fields. Collaborations with organizations such as Kaohsiung Metro provide students with professional courses and on-site internships, helping them deepen their skills in real-world settings.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is emphasized to guide students in addressing real industry challenges, fostering independent thinking, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. For example, Cheng-Han transformed a commonly used “electronic lookout device” into a parking lot notification system, demonstrating the integration of creativity and practical application.

Through participation in industry-academia projects, students gradually move from basic tasks to advanced R&D, strengthening their professional competence. At the same time, the base looks ahead to the development of smart railways by launching the “AI Empowerment Project,” integrating AI, big data, and IoT technologies into its courses and training environments to nurture key talents equipped for future industry needs.

Overall, NKUST’s Railway Talent Training Base, through systematic curricula, advanced facilities, industry collaboration, and AI applications, has successfully cultivated professionals with both solid theoretical knowledge and practical capabilities, becoming a crucial cradle for Taiwan’s railway talent.