Five years after graduating from a vocational school in Shenzhen, Chen Hao found himself working as a salesman for a local electronics factory. Despite long hours and no pay rise, the 26-year-old decided to change his career path. 'Everybody in Shenzhen is talking about artificial intelligence, so I want to find a job in the sector too,' Chen said. He believes his vocational degree makes it challenging to enter the AI field.
Chen's story reflects a broader trend in China. As job security declines in traditional industries, many vocational school graduates are turning to AI-related training. Vocational schools across the country are responding by introducing AI courses to meet this growing demand. The shift highlights concerns about employment in a rapidly changing economy, where automation and digital skills are increasingly valued.
The move toward AI education at vocational schools is seen as a way to help students adapt. However, experts note that the transition requires significant investment in training and resources. For workers like Chen, gaining new skills may be essential for future job prospects in China's evolving tech landscape.