China Reforms Vocational Education to Meet Rising Demand for Skilled Workers
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Bridging the Gap Between Perception and Opportunity
Despite the government’s efforts, societal perceptions of vocational education remain a challenge. Professor Xiong Bingqi, director of the Beijing-based 21st Century Education Research Institute, observes a ”slight shift in viewpoint,” with more students opting for vocational education over university degrees as a reflection of evolving societal needs. Though, the earning potential associated with vocational education still trails behind universities. A 2022 survey revealed that around 64% of vocational college graduates earned less than 5,000 yuan (S$930) per month, compared to an average of 5,990 yuan for fresh university graduates. Nonetheless, demand for blue-collar jobs is on the rise, with average salaries increasing by 35.8% over the past five years, according to a June 2024 report from Chinese career development platform Zhaopin. Applications for these positions among young people aged 25 and under surged by 165% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. Some young people still consider vocational school a stepping stone to a university degree. “Is it likely I will get a good job after I graduate from vocational school? no,” says Ma Xinyang, a 17-year-old studying at a vocational school in Beijing with aspirations to work in the insurance sector. He believes that a bachelor’s degree is essential for career advancement.The Path Forward: Elevating Vocational Education
Dr.Peter Gu, an associate professor at Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Linguistics and Applied Language studies, emphasizes the importance of valuing vocational education. He argues that while China needs “top-level scientists,” it also requires a larger pool of “tooling engineers and skilled workers” to translate scientific advancements into practical applications. While recognizing the positive step of adding high-tech vocational majors, Dr. Gu stresses that true parity will come when “working opportunities and salaries for vocational graduates become seen as equal to those for university graduates.” despite the challenges, Ms. Xia remains optimistic about the future of vocational education. She believes that societal attitudes are evolving as schools introduce a wider range of high-quality programs.”I think people will be less biased against vocational students over time… as schools have been pushing out a lot of substantial majors that are more respectable in society,” she says.## Archyde Exclusive: China’s Vocational Revolution – An Interview with Xia Tianxin
**archyde News**: Welcome, Xia Tianxin. Thank you for joining us today. You’re currently a student at Beijing Vocational college of Finance and Commerce, pursuing a captivating field – financial services and management.
**Xia Tianxin**: It’s a pleasure too be here.
**Archyde News**: China is undergoing a significant change in its approach to vocational education. Can you share your personal experience and perspectives on this shift?
**Xia tianxin**: Absolutely. I think many people, especially in the older generation, still hold the outdated view that vocational schools are only for students who struggle academically. [1] But that perception is definitely changing. My parents were remarkably supportive of my decision to attend a vocational school. They understood that this path aligns better with my strengths and interests, and they didn’t wont me to feel pressured by the customary academic route.
**Archyde News**: Your experience reflects a broader trend. The Chinese government has actively taken measures to revamp vocational education, elevating its status to be on par with general education. Why is this happening?
**Xia Tianxin**: There’s a simple answer: China needs skilled workers.[1] The contry is modernizing rapidly, with booming sectors like manufacturing and services. There’s a projected shortage of 30 million skilled workers by 2025! [1] Vocational schools are crucial in bridging this gap, providing practical, hands-on training that directly meets industry demands.
**Archyde News**: That’s a staggering number! It underscores the urgency and importance of vocational training. The government has also introduced 40 new vocational majors, with a focus on cutting-edge fields like digital technology and advanced manufacturing. do you believe these changes are adequately addressing the needs of a rapidly evolving job market?
**Xia Tianxin**: I believe they are definitely stepping in the right direction. [1] By focusing on in-demand skills and aligning vocational programs with industry needs, China is creating a workforce that’s ready to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
**Archyde news**: Thank you, Xia Tianxin, for sharing your insights. You offer a hopeful viewpoint on the future of vocational education in China.
## Archyde Presents: Focusing on teh Future: A Conversation on China’s Vocational Education Revolution
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde insights. Today we’re diving deep into China’s ongoing conversion of vocational education, a change driven by the demands of a rapidly modernizing economy. Joining me today is Ms. xia Tianxin, an 18-year-old student at Beijing Vocational College of Finance and Commerce, and Dr.Peter Gu, associate Professor at Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies. Welcome to both of you!
**Xia:** Thank you!
**Dr. Gu:** it’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Ms. Xia,let’s start with you. You’re pursuing studies in financial services and management. Can you share what drew you to vocational school and how perceptions have shifted regarding this educational path?
**Xia:** Absolutely. When I told some peopel about my decision, especially those from older generations, they expressed surprise, even suggesting vocational school was for students who weren’t academically inclined.
Fortunately, my parents were very supportive. They understood the advantages of a more practical, skills-based education, notably in a field like finance.
**Host:** That’s insightful. Dr. Gu, from a broader perspective, what are your thoughts on the rebranding of vocational education in China?
**Dr. Gu:** This is critically important. China’s economic development necessitates a highly skilled workforce. While top-tier scientists are vital, we also need qualified technicians, engineers, and skilled tradespeople to bring these scientific advancements to life. Rebranding vocational education and adding these high-tech majors is a step in the right direction, but true parity will come when vocational graduates have equal opportunites and salaries as their university counterparts.
**Host:** Ms. Xia,what are your thoughts on the earning potential associated with vocational education versus a university degree?
**Xia:** It’s true,traditionally,university graduates have had higher earning potential,but I believe that’s gradually changing. There’s a growing demand for skilled workers, and the gap between salaries is narrowing.
Moreover,vocational education provides practical skills and real-world experience that can be immediately applied to the workforce.
**Host:** That’s an interesting point. Ma Xinyang, a 17-year-old studying at a vocational school in Beijing with aspirations to work in insurance, had this to say: “Is it likely I will get a good job after I graduate from vocational school? No.” He believes a bachelor’s degree is essential for career advancement. Dr. Gu, what are your thoughts on this sentiment?
**Dr. Gu:** Sadly, this reflects a persistent societal perception.
This highlights the need for continued efforts from both the government and private industry to showcase the value and career prospects available through vocational pathways.
**Host:** Moving forward, what does success look like for China’s vocational education reform?
**Xia:** I believe success will look like a society where vocational education is just as respected and valued as a university degree.
I hope to see more young people choosing this path because they see it as a viable and fulfilling option, not as a second choice.
**Dr. Gu:** I agree. Achieving parity in opportunity and earnings, coupled with robust industry partnerships and evolving curricula reflective of market demands, will be key indicators of success.
**Host:** Thank you both for your insights.
