Taizhou in Zhejiang province has ramped up its vocational training as part of its efforts to address the scarcity of skilled workers in the city.

In March 2023, the local government unveiled a comprehensive list of urgently needed skilled workers, covering 31 professions across eight major categories, including fitters, turners, and welders.

In an effort to combat the employment challenges faced by local businesses, a wide array of incentives, including subsidies, have been increased to encourage participation in vocational training.

Individuals taking part in training programs initiated by authorities for these high-demand occupations and obtaining professional skill certificates are eligible for a 30 percent increase in subsidies, with corresponding support extended to participating businesses.

Jiang Xiao, a fitter at Era Co Ltd based in Taizhou's Huangyan district, expressed his joy upon obtaining the technician certificate, stating, "With this certificate, I can receive a subsidy of over 4,000 yuan ($552.54)."

The training initiative has not only empowered individuals like Jiang to enhance their skills and employability but has also significantly contributed to the overall economic development of the region. Official statistics reveal that Taizhou trained approximately 28,700 individuals for urgently needed skilled positions in 2023, with nearly 32 million yuan in subsidies already disbursed.