A teacher from Fujian Chuanzheng Communications College instructs the students. [Photo/fjsen.com]

Vocational education acts as a bridge between China and partner countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By the end of 2022, China had established 20 Luban Workshops in collaboration with 19 countries and regions and initiated "Chinese + Vocational education" programs in over 40 countries and regions.

As a core area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Fujian shoulders the responsibility of nurturing international talent to serve the BRI. Leveraging platforms like the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Vocational Education Alliance, Fujian has set up 15 Maritime Silk Road Schools within its vocational colleges, providing 55 educational programs tailored to the BRI.

These efforts have yielded a significant number of technical and skilled professionals in BRI nations who are proficient in the Chinese language and well-versed in traditional Chinese culture, effectively meeting the urgent needs of local Chinese enterprises in BRI countries.

The integration of industry and education is pivotal for advancing the high-quality development of modern vocational education. Industry-education integration has been the driving force behind the consistent development of Fujian's vocational education on the international stage.

Since the launch of the BRI, Chinese enterprises have increasingly established overseas operations, resulting in a growing demand for local high-quality technical professionals who possess an understanding of Chinese culture, language, and practical skills. This has underscored the necessity for so-called "Chinese + Skills" education, presenting a new challenge for vocational colleges in Fujian.

This year, Fujian seeks to strengthen cooperation with countries along the Maritime Silk Road, establish a series of Maritime Silk Road Institutes, and promote the "Chinese + Vocational education" model to facilitate high-level educational opening-up.

In response, experts recommend that vocational colleges enhance their market competitiveness by improving the language proficiency of teaching staff, bolstering high-level professional development, and exploring collaboration models with international businesses.

Through joint research and development, technology transfer, and talent cultivation, the optimization of educational and industrial resources can enhance the effectiveness of industry-education integration.

Quanzhou College Of Technology offers Western food courses for local teachers in Kenya. [Photo/fjsen.com]