Over 7 million migrant workers will receive vocational training in 2020 and 2021 each as part of the efforts to stabilize employment and alleviate poverty, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
By 2019, there were over 290 million migrant workers in China, becoming the leading force in the labor market. But this large group still faces employment pressure in terms of stability and security, which has been worsened by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease.
To provide suitable training programs for them, local governments and institutions should focus on the kinds of skills they would like to learn. At the same time, the demands of the job market should be kept in mind. Construction, machinery, catering and logistics are among the industries where migrant workers can fit in well. The training should also offer courses related to new types of occupations such as online purchase delivery and live-streaming sales.
Today, many advanced technologies like big data are being used in vocational training for the group. Based on the experience during the epidemic, the Internet Plus mode can also be used in the programs to make them more convenient and efficient.
The ministry said enterprises should play a significant role in training migrant workers, both those who are working or have been furloughed, to help them get jobs. Rural areas that export laborers should lead the training for those returning to their hometowns, and help them find jobs or start businesses locally.
(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in China Economic Net on June 5)
(Print Edition Title: Targeted Training)
