Why China is promoting skills over degrees

学历过剩与技能短缺

Drum Tower

2026-02-10

27 分钟
PDF

单集简介 ...

China has too many graduates and not enough jobs for them. The government is pushing vocational training as the solution, but will it work? Hosts: - Sarah Wu, co-host of “Drum Tower” - Simon Cox, The Economist’s China economics editor Topics covered: - Vocational education in China - Graduate unemployment in China - China’s economy Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
更多

单集文稿 ...

  • The Economist.

  • From abroad, China's manufacturing strength is almost a cliché.

  • And countries across the West fear the impact of Chinese exports on their economies.

  • So it might come as a surprise that inside China, people are worried.

  • Manufacturers say they can't find workers with the right skills,

  • while increasing numbers of university grads complain that they can't get a job.

  • The job market is getting increasingly competitive for graduates.

  • I have applied for 30 or 40 jobs in the past six months.

  • Frustrated by mounting uncertainties, young people are turning to different career paths to secure an income.

  • Master craftsmen are the foundation of our great Chinese nation.

  • We must develop vocational education and foster the spirit of craftsmanship.

  • I'm Sarah Wu, The Economist China correspondent based in Beijing,

  • and this week I'm joined by our China economics editor Simon Cox.

  • And together, we'll be asking, can Beijing break China's university fever?

  • And if China's swots getting their hands dirty with more practical training can really future-proof its economy.

  • This is Drum Tower, from The Economist.

  • Hi Simon, it's good to see you. How have you been?

  • Very well, thanks, Sarah. Yeah.

  • Last time I saw you, you were leaving your Hong Kong sea view for a trip to the mainland.

  • How was it?