China Vocational Education: Vocational schools need more students, more respect

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China is trying encouraging more people to pursue a trade - rather than a college degree. Skilled workers - like plumbers, electricians, cooks, even police officers - are in demand. But many students are shunning specialized vocational schools. CGTN's Hu Chao looks at what's being done to change minds.

Western banquet services, tea-making, flight attendant service, cooking. These are just some of the careers you might learn in one of China's many vocational schools.

20-year-old Zhao Qi now studies western culinary arts at Taiyuan Tourism College in northern China's Shanxi Province.

ZHAO QI, SOPHOMORE TAIYUAN TOURISM COLLEGE, SHANXI PROVINCE "I've been a big fan of delicious food since childhood. I used to learn baking in some cake shops. Cooking always makes me happy."

Now the college sophomore has become quite the cooking connoisseur. She has already won two medals at different national competitions. And she attributes her success to her strong interest in cooking.

ZHAO QI, SOPHOMORE TAIYUAN TOURISM COLLEGE, SHANXI PROVINCE "Because you love it, you'll be more dedicated when you do it and will never feel bored or tired."

Zhao is one of many students that the school feels proud of. Local officials say the employment rate for Taiyuan Tourism College students and alumni remains high.

In recent years, the school has implemented a series of innovative reforms. Principal Ma Zhaoxing believes these reforms helped cultivate talent that the market needs.

MA ZHAOXING, PRINCIPAL TAIYUAN TOURISM COLLEGE, SHANXI PROVINCE "First, we've deepened cooperation with enterprises by setting up a shared innovation center. We've also invited experts from different fields to teach our students. Also, our teachers have gone out to provide training to various social groups and enterprises. Thus with broadened horizons, their teaching skills have improved."

This year's government work report has announced several new measures to boost vocational education development. Topping the list - expanding enrollment by at least one million students. But during China's ongoing two sessions, some members feel it's difficult for vocational schools to attract so many students. Principal Ma has the same concern.

MA ZHAOXING, PRINCIPAL TAIYUAN TOURISM COLLEGE, SHANXI PROVINCE "In China, many people traditionally think that a vocational school isn't as good as a university. They are unwilling to go to a vocational school. But the fact is that we need more students to cultivate more talents that the country needs."

HU CHAO TAIYUAN, SHANXI PROVINCE "Much of China's future depends on skilled talents. Although many are happy to see the government putting more focus on vocational education, experts say that real development can only be achieved once social biases are eliminated and vocational education is given the respect it deserves. Hu Chao, CGTN, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province."