Recently, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council released an opinion titled “Opinions on Deepening the Reform of the Construction of the Industrial Workforce,” which introduced a mechanism for horizontal development among industrial workers. A key component of this reform is the establishment of a mutual recognition system for vocational qualifications, skill levels, professional titles, and educational degrees. But what exactly does this “mutual recognition” system entail?
The “mutual recognition” system allows those who have obtained national vocational qualifications or skill levels to also be regarded as having the corresponding professional titles or educational degrees. Conversely, individuals with specific professional titles or degrees can be recognized as meeting the criteria for relevant national vocational qualifications or skill levels.
What impact will this system have on the development of skilled talent? We turned to experts for insights.
The new opinion aims to promote the mutual recognition of learning outcomes from both academic and non-academic education, as well as vocational skill credits. It calls for a long-term mechanism that integrates technical, management, and skilled positions across different fields.
Professor Wen Xiaoyi, Dean of the School of Labor Relations and Human Resources at China University of Labor Relations, explained that previously, there were varying certification systems for different professions. Workers adhered to a skill system, while teachers and technical professionals followed a title system with different levels of certification. This reform streamlines the process, allowing individuals to be evaluated without redundancy, ultimately benefiting the integration of our talent pool.
Experts emphasize that industrial workers have historically focused primarily on practical skills. However, with the rise of a modern industrial system and the growth of a new productive force, many industrial workers are now involved in research, innovation, and technical challenges, creating corresponding knowledge and skill systems. The mutual recognition system will motivate workers to generate even greater value.
Professor Wen further noted, “This reform provides our industrial workers with more upward mobility paths and opportunities, enhancing their treatment and encouraging overall motivation within the workforce, which will help elevate their social status.”
One of the standout features of the mutual recognition system is its dual nature. The system allows for reciprocal recognition between vocational skills and professional titles or degrees, encouraging society to place greater importance on professional skill development and expanding the skilled workforce.
Professor Wen elaborated, “While the focus previously was primarily on the integration of vocational qualifications and skill levels with professional titles, this new aspect that includes educational degrees is a significant highlight of the reform.”
Experts also believe that this mutual recognition will enhance students’ hands-on capabilities and help build a knowledge-based, innovative, and skilled workforce. “University students shouldn’t just focus on theoretical knowledge; they need to integrate practical skills and learn from skilled workers,” Professor Wen stated.
Several provinces, including Shanxi and Guangdong, have already begun implementing the mutual recognition system.
In Shanxi, for example, outstanding skilled workers classified as technicians can be recognized with intermediate titles, while senior technicians may receive associate senior titles. The vocational and technical colleges can also appoint skilled workers to corresponding technical positions as needed.
Heilongjiang Province has standardized the recognition of 50 professional qualifications with titles, adding more to the list, such as registered surveyors and accountants, tour guides, auctioneers, equipment supervisors, and actuaries.
In Guangdong, skilled workers who achieve intermediate or advanced vocational qualifications will be eligible for benefits equivalent to those holding relevant educational degrees concerning household registration, title evaluation, and rank promotion.
Professor Wen emphasized that these benefits go beyond just financial remuneration, also including opportunities for further education, recognition awards, position appointments, rank promotions, and eligibility for research project applications. This overall enhancement of workers’ benefits reflects a shift towards valuing and rewarding skills within the industry.