An overhaul of the occupational training and certificate system has
been launched by China to better conquer the challenges after its
entry into the
World Trade
Organization (WTO).
"Competition in the world economy relies on good human resources
instead of abundant natural resources, making human capacity
building a very important issue from now on,'' said Chen Yu, deputy
director-general of the Occupational Skill Testing Authority under
the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
But he claimed the old system set up at the time of a planned
economy lacks effective standards and training that the current
situation demands, especially as new occupations emerge fast.
Vocations like nurses for the elderly, club waiters and
advertisement designers have only arisen in the past decade and are
not covered by the system.
A
four-year cooperation program -- sponsored by the ministry and
Germany since 1999 -- focuses on seven such new vocations.
Stressing the country's reality, the program targets establishing a
streamlined vocational training process -- including drawing up
standards, teaching plans, study methods and textbooks, carrying
out training, testing and issuing certificates.
"Our vocational training system will gradually adopt this form to
catch up with advanced countries,'' said Chen, who is in charge of
the programme.
China also cooperates with countries such as the Republic of Korea,
Great Britain and the United States, introducing their occupational
standards and certificates.
Li
Huaikang, an official with the Occupational Skill Testing
Authority, said two British certificates have been recognized by
the ministry so far, which are regarded as the same as those
certificates issued by the government.
"Not all foreign occupational certificates can be effective," said
Li.
They should first report to the ministry and wait for approval.
They also must have Chinese partners involved in issuing
certificates.
Such rules are made lest too many foreign certificates flood the
market and confuse enterprises and employers, Li explained.
( November 24,2001)