China to train over 10 million workers, upgrade skills for new industries, says minister

China will carry out large-scale vocational skills training and subsidize training for over 10 million individuals this year, with specialized training programs focusing on the low-altitude economy, new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence, and elderly care services, a senior human resources official announced Saturday.

At a news conference on people's livelihoods during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, said a lifelong vocational skills training system will be established to cater to the personalized needs of workers at different career stages.

"For new workforce entrants, preparatory and general skills training will be offered. Company employees will have access to apprenticeship and on-the-job training, while career changers can benefit from new skills and entrepreneurship training," Wang said.

The objective is to ensure that learning opportunities are accessible to everyone, anywhere, and at any time, she noted.

To align skilled workers with industry demands, China is developing a business-led system that integrates industry requirements with education and job training. This streamlined process links hiring, training, evaluation, and employment, with skill standards and training content evolving alongside industry developments. Over 20 provinces have already established more than 230 such systems, enabling companies to enhance employee skills and boost efficiency, thereby strengthening industry resilience, according to Wang.

Moreover, China will clear pathways for the development of skilled workers by implementing a new eight-grade vocational skill grading system, supporting enterprises in appointing top-level technicians, and establishing a skill-oriented wage distribution system where "those who work harder, possess higher skills and innovate more will get greater rewards," Wang said.

Wang also said that the 48th WorldSkills Competition, the largest and most influential skills event globally, will be held in Shanghai from Sept 22 to 27. She encouraged people from China and abroad to visit Shanghai to experience the exquisite skills showcased in over 60 competition events, participate in related activities during the competition, and visit the world's first WorldSkills Museum to appreciate the beauty of skills and the brilliance of labor up close.