China Urges the Cultivation of Skilled Talent Amid Youth Unemployment

China Prioritizes Skilled Talent Development

Premier Li Qiang has recently advocated for the cultivation of craftsmanship talent, recognizing its vital role in the world's second-largest economy. As China strives for high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, Li's call emphasizes the pressing need for better vocational education and the development of skilled individuals.

The Challenge of Youth Unemployment

In September, youth unemployment rates revealed that about one in six young non-students (ages 16-24) is jobless, marking an acute concern for the nation. Li emphasized the urgency of integrating educational efforts with real-world industry needs, particularly amidst a backdrop of rising job demand for blue-collar workers in cities like Guangzhou and Xiamen.

• Push for higher pay and professional pathways for skilled workers
• Need for urgent training in essential sectors including healthcare and advanced industries
• Focus on developing a talent pool aligned with emerging technological needs

WorldSkills Museum Visit

During his visit to the WorldSkills Museum, Li reiterated the importance of effective vocational skills training to match current industrial demands and future needs. China aims to cultivate around 62,000 master artisans by 2035, with a special focus on national-level craftsmen.

With a robust vocational education system, which includes nearly 10 million enrolled students in 8,700 schools, the country recognizes it must address the growing mismatch between job availability and the skills of young workers.