China is making significant strides in developing its vocational education system, which is now the largest in the world. According to the Report on the Development of Vocational Education in China, over 70 percent of new frontline workers in modern manufacturing, strategic emerging industries, and modern services are graduates of vocational schools.
In 2021, the Ministry of Education revised the vocational major catalog to include more programs focused on strategic emerging industries, the modern service sector, digital transformation, and rural revitalization. This strategic move has equipped students with the skills needed for today’s evolving job market.
The momentum continued into 2023, with higher vocational schools introducing 1,266 new school locations offering majors related to strategic emerging industries. These include next-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new materials, and biotechnology. This expansion represents an 8.24-percent increase from the previous year and has resulted in over 1.05 million graduates.
Moreover, vocational education is collaborating closely with enterprises to address front-line production challenges. Vocational colleges have undertaken more than 2,700 state-level scientific research projects and provided technical services to businesses through university-enterprise platforms. These initiatives have cumulatively invested over 9.1 billion yuan (approximately $1.25 billion). Additionally, more than 7,000 patent achievements have been transferred to enterprises, involving over 540 million yuan.
As of 2023, China boasts over 11,000 vocational schools, including technical institutions, with nearly 35 million students enrolled. This vast network ensures a steady supply of high-quality laborers, laying a solid foundation for the development of new quality productive forces.
China’s focused approach to vocational education not only meets the current economic demands but also sets the stage for sustained growth and innovation in the future.
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China's vocational education boosts new quality productive forces
cgtn.com
