The research of vocational high school graphic communications major student's professional competencies in Taiwan

There are rapid technological changes and the printing industry has been gradually transformed from a low-tech labor-intensive to a high technology industry with a better quality and efficiency. This transition is one of main concerns when developing a vocational high school graphic communications major curriculum in Taiwan. The research started with a comprehensive literature review regarding to the competencies based on the curricula. Meanwhile, the Competencies Needed of Vocational High School Graphic Communications Major Student Survey questionnaires were developed and Taiwan Printing Industry Association members were the survey target participants. Through the survey and analysis, this study constructed a total of five professional major competency categories, 39 indicators, for vocational high school graphic communications department curricula. The five categories are design, photography, prepress, presswork, and finishing capabilities. The results showed that within the five major competencies, prepress is the most important competence recommended by the printing industry.