2 April 2024
China has significantly expanded its vocational education system in recent years, focusing on aligning it with the demands of enterprises. This effort was underscored in this year’s government work report, which highlighted the country’s commitment to further improving vocational education. As it stands, China boasts the world’s largest vocational education system, comprising 9,752 secondary vocational schools with over 17.8 million students, according to data released by the Ministry of Education in 2023. Additionally, there were 1,521 higher vocational schools with an enrollment of 5.46 million students in 2022.
These institutions play a crucial role in producing approximately 10 million high-quality technical personnel annually. China’s vocational education system has also embraced international cooperation as a means to expand development opportunities, exemplified by partnerships such as the educational agreement between Liaoning Vocational College of Medicine and Germany’s Oscar Kemmel Vocational College, which facilitates a nursing talent training program. This collaboration saw 17 Chinese students participating in studies in Germany, with six opting to work as elderly care workers in German nursing homes.
The Luban Workshop serves as another model for international vocational education cooperation, offering skills training for local communities. Similar workshops have been established in several countries including Thailand, India, and Indonesia. Over the past decade, in line with the Belt and Road Initiative, more than 400 higher vocational colleges in China and foreign educational institutions have formed partnerships to establish Luban Workshops in over 20 countries.
To support the overseas development of Chinese enterprises, 18 vocational colleges in Guangdong Province have launched 39 overseas education programs. Shenzhen Polytechnic University, in collaboration with enterprises like Huawei, has established seven overseas vocational education and training centres in countries such as Bulgaria and Germany.
China has also sought collaboration with global partners to enhance its vocational education sector. Since 2013, BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) has operated a vocational program in Shenyang, Liaoning, collaborating with vocational schools to develop industry-relevant courses and provide students with practical training and internship opportunities. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry needs, preparing students for the workforce effectively.
