SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 — On Sunday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the crucial need to enhance vocational education and nurture a workforce of skilled professionals to align with the rapid demands of the nation’s economic and social growth.
During his visit to Shanghai, where he closely examined the city’s initiatives in vocational education and the development of skilled labor, Li, a distinguished member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, articulated that cultivating a greater number of high-caliber skilled workers is essential for supporting high-quality development and enriching the quality of life for citizens.
While touring the Shanghai Nanhu Vocational & Technical College, Li underscored the importance of fostering a deeper integration of industry and education. He stressed the necessity for enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and businesses, alongside the need to optimize the design of college disciplines and majors. This optimization should be based on societal demands and the genuine progress of various industries. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of strengthening practical skill training, while also advocating for the recruitment of more skilled educators to innovate teaching models and methodologies.
During his visit to the WorldSkills Museum, Li pointed out that governments at all levels must persist in improving policies that support the growth and development of skilled labor. This involves fostering institutional innovation and increasing investment in vocational training and education.
Li added that comprehensive efforts should be directed towards enhancing the systems of development planning and service delivery for skilled workers. These efforts aim to expand career advancement opportunities and improve their earning potential, ensuring that skilled individuals can thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
**Interview with Dr. Wang Li, Education Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Wang, during Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Shanghai, he emphasized the critical need to enhance vocational education. From your perspective, how important is this focus on vocational training in the current economic climate?
**Dr. Wang:** It’s absolutely crucial. As China continues to develop, the demand for skilled professionals grows in tandem with the economy. Vocational education provides an accessible pathway for many individuals, particularly those who may not pursue traditional academic routes.
**Interviewer:** Premier Li also highlighted the integration of industry and education. Do you believe this collaboration is lacking in today’s vocational education system?
**Dr. Wang:** Yes, in many cases, there is a disconnect. Many educational programs do not align well with real-world industry needs. Strengthening this partnership will not only increase the employability of graduates but also ensure that industries have access to the skilled labor they require.
**Interviewer:** During his visit, Li mentioned the need for innovative teaching models and skilled educators. How do you see the role of educators evolving in vocational training?
**Dr. Wang:** Educators must now become more than just transmitters of knowledge; they need to be facilitators of practical skills and competencies. Upskilling educators to adopt more dynamic teaching methods is essential for fostering an adaptable workforce.
**Interviewer:** with all these proposed changes, what do you think about the balance between vocational training and traditional academic education? Should one be prioritized over the other?
**Dr. Wang:** That’s a significant debate. While vocational education is vital for a modern economy, traditional academic pathways also have their place. It’s essential to foster a system where both can coexist and provide individuals with options that suit their talents and career aspirations.
**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts, readers? Should vocational training receive more emphasis compared to traditional education in China’s future? What might this mean for societal development?
