China to support 3 million industrial workers in further education, skills upgrading

China will provide financial support for at least 3 million industrial workers in pursuing further education and upgrading skills by 2030, according to a plan released Thursday by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

The plan, covering the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), outlines measures to improve the skills development system for industrial workers and promote their all-round development.

It also sets targets for cultivating skilled talent. By 2030, China aims to foster around 1,000 national-level master artisans, 5,000 provincial-level master artisans and 25,000 city-level master artisans.

The total number of innovation studios for model workers and master artisans is expected to reach 160,000 by 2030, the plan said.

The initiative comes as China steps up efforts to upgrade its industrial sector. The country's 15th Five-Year Plan places building a modern industrial system high on the agenda.

China also set a dual strategy focusing on investment in "both physical assets and human capital" to advance innovation-driven, demand-led growth, with vocational skills training identified as one of the key areas to equip the workforce.

Thursday's plan calls for improving the lifelong vocational skills training system and helping workers adapt their skills to changing needs. "AI Plus" learning and training programs will be carried out, alongside the development of a national skills learning platform for industrial workers.

Training services will also be strengthened for migrant workers, workers in new forms of employment and young workers, while a system of craftsman colleges combining online and offline learning will be developed.

Wang Xiaoping, minister of human resources and social security, said earlier that China will deepen large-scale vocational skills training this year. Targeted training will focus on sectors like the low-altitude economy, new energy vehicles, AI and elderly care services in a bid to better align skills development with industrial and employment needs.