江苏留学网

A model aircraft developed and produced by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) [Photo/jsenews.com]

China's rising aviation industry has increased the country's demand for professionals in the field. 

The partnership between Jiangsu Aviation Technical College (JATC) in Zhenjiang and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) was established to cultivate such professionals. 

Over 20 third-year students from JATC majoring in aircraft electrical equipment maintenance and manufacturing technology have started a six-month program in which they will attend over 30 professional courses and intern at COMAC. 

"They are serving as both students and staff members," said Pu Huangzhong, head of JATC and major proponent of the training program. 

According to Pu, the textbooks and courses were jointly compiled by teachers and engineers from JATC and COMAC. A mentor will always be present to help take care of their daily affairs, and information concerning the students' academic and working performance are also available. 

JATC Party secretary Lu Yuezhong is optimistic about the school's decision to establish more connections with the domestic aviation industry. 

"The program has not only provided our students with internships and jobs, but also boosted Zhenjiang's role in aeronautics and astronautics circles," Lu said. 

China is now able to develop and produce jets domestically, including the ARJ21, which rolled off the assembly line in Shanghai in 2007, and the C919, a large passenger plane, which took to the air in Shanghai in 2017. The twin-engine, single-aisle C919 is comparable to the updated Airbus 320 and Boeing's new generation 737 aircraft. The CR929 wide-body jetliner was also developed to meet the demand for international and regional civil aviation.