A research team led by Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited Xuancheng Vocational and Technical College in East China's Anhui province on April 1, as the draft revision of the Vocational Education Law will soon be submitted for its third reading by the top legislature.

Li, also chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, stressed that policies and measures launched by the CPC Central Committee on the reform and development of vocational education as well as successful practices in this regard should be translated into legal provisions through legislation, in order to address the most concerned problems in the sector, cultivate a quality and skilled workforce and build a modernized vocational education system.

During the visit, the team learned about the development of the vocational college and held a symposium with students, teachers and representatives from enterprises to listen to their ideas and suggestions.

Li said vocational education should adopt a teaching model that features industry-education integration and school-enterprise cooperation. He called for efforts to help students improve their capability and skills and motivate them to carry on the spirit of model workers, the value of hardwork and the pursuit of fine workmanship. 

The top legislator said at the symposium that the draft revision makes it clear to increase government spending on vocational education, support enterprises to cooperate with vocational education insitutions, and promote comprehensive development of vocational education across different levels and types.

The draft revision also stresses that vocational education enjoys equal importance to general education and that multiple measures will be taken to improve public recognition of the field, Li added.

Noting that skilled workers with technical know-how is an important foundation for China's manufacturing industry and innovation-driven growth, he called for students to pursue all-round physical and intellectual development, refine working skills, and contribute to the building a modern socialist country.

Abhui province is home to 346 secondary and higher vocational schools with more than 1.51 million students enrolled, making it a powerhouse of vocational education and training in the country. Xuancheng Vocational and Technical College opened in 2002 and currently has 8,550 students in more than 40 majors.