Tianjin: China is now home to over 200 million skilled workers, accounting for approximately one-seventh of its total population. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), these workers have played an essential role in driving China's economic and social progress, supported by the country's proactive talent development policies.
According to Namibia Press Agency, an industry-oriented training system has been pivotal in supporting the skilled workforce. Huang Nuola, a garment quality inspector from Guangdong Province, is among those who have benefited. Across Guangdong, major enterprises have been invited to participate in skills training and qualification programs, aligning training with employer needs. About 130,000 workers from over 800 companies have engaged in these tailored programs. Nationwide, there are 2,440 public technical schools and nearly 29,000 private training institutions providing a wide range of training services. Additionally, China has offered subsidies to eligible trainees, with over 92 million workers, including 30 million migrant workers, receiving financial support for skills training since 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) is set to continue enhancing workers' professional skills and establishing a high-quality, lifelong technical training system.
The introduction of a new professional title system has created ample career opportunities for skilled workers. Li Yanxu, a "special-level" technician from Henan Province, noted that the system has broken the career glass ceiling and improved morale through increased salaries. In 2022, China released a guideline expanding the professional title system from five to eight technical titles, restructuring mechanisms involving employment, compensation, and promotion. More than 6,000 skilled workers have advanced to "special-level" and "chief-level" technician posts, with state-owned enterprises offering salaries comparable to those of senior managers. The system also identifies new types of occupations, ensuring workers in emerging fields have clear career pathways.
Skills competitions have been integral in promoting skill development. Qian Mengying, a student in apparel design, expressed the value of participating in such competitions to upgrade skills and gain industry knowledge. Since 2010, China has participated in seven WorldSkills Competitions, winning 93 gold medals. Domestically, a multi-tiered skills competition system includes national and regional contests, with over 10 million participants annually. An MHRSS official highlighted that these competitions foster employment drivers, encourage skills improvement, and provide social recognition and tangible benefits for skilled workers. The ministry plans to implement more policies to cultivate a well-structured skilled workforce in the future.