China enhances vocational training of migrant workers

Anhui province, another region with a strong work force, also adopted training programs to improve the skill set of its workers. In Anhui, these programs are currently offered not just by government, but schools, private institutions and businesses.

Luo Qunhu, a migrant worker from Anhui, doubled his income after receiving vocational training. Previously earning about 2,000 yuan a month in a local factory, he was trained to be a technician and his monthly salary rose to 4,000 yuan in the same factory.

In education, vocation is lesson

10m migrants to be trained each year

Official statistics show that, since the new training programs, the average monthly income of Anhui's migrant workers increased to 2,909 yuan - 300 yuan higher than the national average.

However, one survey found that only about 30 percent of China's migrant workers have undergone vocational training. A lack of technical skills are the main obstacle preventing them from becoming urban and industrial workers, the survey found.

Zhang Junjie, a political advisor from Anhui, has been studying the vocational training of migrant workers for years. His research reveals that most vocational training schools only provide old-fashioned courses such as computer, welding and hairdressing. Such courses are out of touch with the diverse needs of China's changing job marketplace.

The new programs include training in such skills as auto repair, molding for the manufacturing industry and heavy construction vehicle operation.

Meanwhile, vocational training is all the more necessary for migrant workers wishing to settle down in cities where job markets already face fierce competition.

According to a national plan on urbanization issued early this year, China will conduct vocational training for 10 million migrant workers a year starting from 2014 to 2020 with the goal of helping develop the nation acquire specific skills.

But Zhang says if the training is to be effective, it must be specific in its offerings, adapting to China's new job market to offer training for skills that are in demand and will help migrant workers find employment quickly.