An exterior view of the Kazakhstan Luban Workshop [Photo provided to tianjin.chinadaily.com]

Named for Lu Ban (507-444 BC), who is regarded as the father of carpentry in China, the workshops aim to train technical professionals worldwide.

The Kazakhstan Luban Workshop, jointly built by the Tianjin Vocational Institute and D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, started trial operations on Dec 9, 2023.

Student from the Kazakhstan Luban Workshop operates teaching equipment. [Photo provided to tianjin.chinadaily.com]

The program stands as a tangible measure to foster exchanges in vocational education between China and Kazakhstan under the Belt and Road Initiative. It is aimed at nurturing high-level technical professionals who are in urgent demand for Kazakhstan's economic and social progress and the Initiative.

Constructed locally, the initial phase of the workshop, occupying a total area of 700 square meters, focuses on transportation equipment and technology. It encompasses four major training areas: vehicle maintenance, fuel vehicle systems, new energy vehicles, and intelligent connected vehicles.

Plans for the expansion project of the Kazakhstan Workshop are set to commence within the year. An additional 460 square meters of workshop space will be incorporated, further bolstering the teaching capabilities in new energy vehicles and intelligent network technology.