Round Table China Is vocational education finally gaining prestige?
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Jul 22, 2025 Vocational education in China is shedding its second-choice image as top students now opt for technical training over university. Government initiatives aim to boost vocational skills for millions, reflecting a cultural shift in career paths. The rising costs of traditional college education also play a role in this trend, with more graduates choosing practical skills for better job prospects. There's a growing recognition that ability and hands-on experience may soon eclipse mere credentials in the job market.
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Vocational Education's Rising Prestige
- Vocational education in China is shifting from a second-tier choice to an attractive path for top students.
- Policy changes emphasize quality, industry links, and competitiveness, reshaping job expectations.
Government Drives Vocational Training
- The Chinese government plans to train 30 million workers in key sectors like manufacturing and services by 2027.
- Focus is on boosting skilled labor in high-tech fields and industries facing worker shortages.
Top Scorers Choose Vocational Colleges
- Some students score over 600 points on the Gaokao yet choose vocational universities over traditional ones.
- This challenges the long-held view that vocational schools are only for lower-achieving students.