Political advisers offer students a helping hand

At a precision machining workshop in East China's Zhejiang province, senior technician Yao Shengdong calibrated a 100-kilogram bearing pedestal in about two minutes with a margin of error of less than 0.01 of a millimeter.

"Parts processing can be programmed with a computer, but the calibration has always been done manually," Yao, 40, said. Customers require a tolerance of no more than 0.02 mm, but Yao has reduced it to less than 0.01 mm.

Yao began working as a technician at equipment manufacturer TDG Machinery Technology in Haining, a county-level city in Jiaxing, in 2000 after graduating from Haining Technician Institute.

In 2013, he taught himself computerized numerical control technology after the company acquired its first CNC lathe and was sent to Singapore's Nanyang Polytechnic for further study. He is now a senior manager, owns national patents, and has won many provincial technical prizes.

Yao shared his work experience with students from Haining Vocational High School and Haining Technician Institute during an activity organized by the city's political advisers on May 14.

He introduced the company and its employment needs and encouraged students to acquire knowledge and practice skills diligently to embark on the road of common wealth through their own efforts.

The reception center hosting the activity invited students, their parents and school officials from Haining vocational colleges and schools to discuss ways to promote common prosperity through the cultivation of skilled personnel.

The center was initiated in 2019 by Yao Yueliang, a Haining political adviser and chairman of Haining-based construction company Hongxiang Holding Group. It serves as a bridge linking political advisers, the city government and entrepreneurs in promoting the city's intelligent manufacturing industry.

It has established a relationship with Haining vocational colleges and schools, and has carried out many activities aimed at cultivating skilled personnel, Yao Yueliang said.

Born into a poor family, Liu Yueping, a student at Haining Senior Technical School, has received grants for her secondary vocational education. She expressed her thanks to the reception center and school for their help in funding her education and said she will work harder to help more people in need.

In addition to free tuition and accommodation, Liu receives 200 yuan ($31) in grants per month from the school and donations from teachers.

The reception center will explore new forms of school-enterprise cooperation, provide employment information, and try its best to help poor families realize common prosperity, said Zhou Hongxia, chairman of the Haining committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Cai Jingwen contributed to this story.