Over the past 11 months, Wang Ting, an integrated circuit instructor at Xiamen Technician College, has trained hundreds of undergraduates. These students, part of a local human resources training program, underwent intensive 3–5 month courses in integrated circuit technology. The hands-on nature of technical colleges made them ideal for this training, covering everything from manufacturing to packaging, testing, and maintenance. Nearly 20–30 classes, each with around 20 graduates, participated. Post-training, many secured jobs at major Xiamen-based firms like Tongfu Microelectronics and Silan Microelectronics.
Once considered unusual, "undergrads returning to vocational training" has become common nationwide, particularly in AI, digital tech, chips, and smart vehicles. The definition of technical work has evolved beyond repetitive "blue-collar" tasks—now encompassing high-demand roles like EDA design and smart hardware debugging. "Future factories demand talent capable of diagnosing and fixing complex automated production issues—roles that transcend traditional blue-collar work, leaning toward 'gray-collar' or even 'gold-collar' roles," noted Yin Wanjian, a professor at Hunan Automotive Engineering Vocational University, during the 3rd National Industrial and IT Technical Skills Competition.
China’s industrial transformation has accelerated with IT-OT integration and AI adoption. "Lighthouse factories" and "dark factories" now operate with 85%+ efficiency, manned by automated systems. Of the 189 global "Lighthouse" factories, 85 are in China. This shift has redefined technical skills. Deng Yanli, a national technical expert, recalls when electricians carried basic tools. "Now, AI-driven automation demands problem-solving with brains, not just hands," she says. Her program evolved from electrical to mechatronics, now including AI and industrial robotics.
The competition reflects these changes, expanding from 3 events in 2021 to 6 this year, all highlighting AI-industry integration. Employers now aggressively recruit skilled graduates—even calling school principals—as their value in R&D roles becomes evident. Wang Ting, a 2022 competition winner, notes how course content adapts yearly, from EDA to RISC-V chips, ensuring real-world relevance. Xiamen’s 2,000+ IC firms, with a ¥50B+ output, offer graduates salaries of ¥6,000–9,000 monthly.
The auto sector mirrors this shift. Yin Wanjian highlights how smart, connected vehicles have spawned niche roles (e.g., sensor testing), while traditional 4S shops decline. A World Economic Forum report predicts 40% of skills will change by 2030, with 59% of workers needing retraining. Xie Jingming of Huazhong University stresses merging academia with industry standards via "dual-mentor" programs.
Even elite universities now join skills competitions. A China University of Geosciences team won in humanoid robotics, blending theory with practice. Advisor Zhao Juan emphasizes multidisciplinary learning in dynamic environments. Yin Wanjian concludes: "As AI merges with manufacturing, we need 'digital craftsmen'—theoretical yet practical—to elevate the workforce."
Once a satirical quote about diverse career paths, the phrase "we all have bright futures" now rings true in the AI era.
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