On December 11, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education signed a strategic cooperation agreement with JD.com, officially inaugurating the country's first "Modern Rider Academy." The academy, established at Guangzhou Vocational and Technical University, will leverage the university's vocational education resources and JD.com's business scenarios to provide delivery riders and couriers with dual pathways for academic advancement and skills enhancement.
Lin Rupeng, Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Education Working Committee and Director of the Provincial Department of Education, stated that the agreement aims to integrate industry and education resources, fostering deeper school-enterprise collaboration and exploring new models for aligning education with industry needs. The ultimate goal is to merge education, talent development, industrial chains, and innovation more seamlessly.
The academy's curriculum is designed to address riders' career advancement and transition needs, utilizing the university's existing industry-education integration platforms, training bases, and future "order-based classes" to develop a tiered course system. The courses are divided into four modules:
1. **Vocational Skills Advancement** – Riders can learn advanced skills such as intelligent dispatching system operations, basic maintenance of unmanned delivery equipment, green delivery practices, and warehouse management, preparing them for technical or managerial roles. 2. **Laws, Regulations, and Safety Standards** – Covers traffic safety, labor rights, and platform service norms. 3. **Soft Skills and Professional Development** – Includes training in communication, teamwork, customer service, and career planning to enhance overall competence. 4. **New Technology Applications** – Offers courses on drone delivery and smart logistics for riders interested in transitioning to related fields.
A JD.com spokesperson emphasized that the academy is not merely a training program but a platform supporting career growth and skill upgrades for delivery personnel. Through systematic vocational education, it aims to create sustainable career pathways. Upon completing specific training, riders will receive "Vocational Skill Level Certificates" or "Specialized Competency Certificates," which will be recorded in JD.com's rider talent database and serve as references for promotions or role transitions.
For academic advancement, the academy will provide policy guidance, exam preparation support, and learning resources to eligible riders. To accommodate riders' busy schedules, Guangzhou Vocational and Technical University Vice President Ouyang Li explained that the academy offers flexible training formats, including short-term, long-term, and targeted training programs.
The academy is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2026, with an initial intake of around 500 riders. JD.com will cover the majority of tuition fees, with riders bearing only a minimal cost.
Analysts note that Guangdong's mature industrial and vocational education landscape makes it an ideal location for the initiative. The province is home to nearly 10 million workers in new employment formats and boasts seven vocational undergraduate universities—the highest number nationwide—capable of meeting large-scale upskilling demands. Moving forward, Guangdong plans to expand industry-academia collaboration through industrial colleges, innovation centers, and joint labs, further supporting workforce development.
Comments