China Pushes AI Skills Training to Boost Graduate Employment
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China Calls for AI Skills Training to Help Graduates Find Jobs
China's education ministry called on universities nationwide to add vocational courses and provide training on artificial intelligence applications to help students find jobs as the world's second biggest economy confronts a record number of graduates this year. Universities are required to help students become more employable by establishing vocational training centers and collaborating with enterprises to offer 1,000 micro majors and 1,000 vocational training courses, according to a notice from the Ministry of Education.
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China calls for AI skills training to help graduates find jobs
Universities are required to help students become more employable by establishing vocational training centers and collaborating with enterprises to offer 1,000 micro majors and 1,000 vocational training courses, according to a notice from the Ministry of Education.China's education ministry called on universities nationwide to add vocational courses and provide training on artificial intelligence applications to help students find jobs as the world's second biggest economy confronts a record number of graduates this year. Universities are required to help students become more employable by establishing vocational training centers and collaborating with enterprises to offer 1,000 micro majors and 1,000 vocational training courses, according to a notice from the Ministry of Education. The institutions should also solicit employment and education projects in the field of AI and carry out specialised training on AI applications, the ministry added. Beijing previously estimated that there will be a record 12.22 million university graduates in 2025. The jobless rate among people aged 16 to 24 was 15.7% last December, nearly a full percentage point higher than a year earlier despite declining in recent months. China changed the methodology for calculating the figure after youth unemployment hit a historic high in 2023.
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China's education ministry urges universities to incorporate AI and vocational training to address high youth unemployment and prepare a record number of graduates for the job market.
China's Education Ministry Calls for AI Skills Training
In a strategic move to address rising youth unemployment and prepare a record number of graduates for the job market, China's Ministry of Education has issued a nationwide directive to universities. The initiative aims to enhance the employability of students by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) applications and vocational training into their curricula
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.Record Graduate Numbers and Unemployment Concerns
China is facing a significant challenge with an estimated 12.22 million university graduates expected in 2025, marking a new record. This surge in graduates coincides with a concerning youth unemployment rate, which stood at 15.7% last December for individuals aged 16 to 24. Despite recent declines, this figure remains nearly a full percentage point higher than the previous year
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.New Educational Initiatives
The Ministry's notice outlines several key measures:
- Establishment of vocational training centers within universities
- Collaboration with enterprises to develop curriculum
- Introduction of 1,000 micro majors
- Creation of 1,000 vocational training courses
- Solicitation of employment and education projects in AI
- Specialized training programs focused on AI applications
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Focus on AI and Vocational Skills
The emphasis on AI skills training reflects China's recognition of the technology's growing importance in the global job market. By integrating AI applications into the educational framework, the government aims to equip graduates with skills that are in high demand across various industries
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.Collaboration with Industry
A crucial aspect of this initiative is the partnership between universities and enterprises. This collaboration is designed to ensure that the training provided aligns closely with the needs of the job market, potentially improving graduates' prospects of securing employment upon completion of their studies
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.Related Stories
Addressing Youth Unemployment
The push for AI and vocational training is part of a broader strategy to tackle the persistent issue of youth unemployment in China. By changing the methodology for calculating unemployment figures and implementing these educational reforms, the government hopes to see a positive impact on job prospects for young graduates
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.Implications for China's Economy
This initiative underscores the Chinese government's proactive approach to managing its human capital and maintaining economic growth. By focusing on AI and vocational skills, China aims to create a workforce capable of driving innovation and competing in the global technology sector, which is crucial for its long-term economic ambitions.
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