The manufacturing industry is an important section of the real economy and has been a pillar industry since the start of Chinese economic reform 30 years ago. The rise of the manufacturing industry has been stressed by the Chinese government and cannot succeed without add talented professionals.

"Strong talent resource support for the development of the manufacturing industry and the cultivation of high-quality talents relies on vocational education," said Che Xiulan, a Jilin deputy attending the Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress.

Che believes that the next ten years are a significant period for the relocation of the global manufacturing value chain, during which China needs to cultivate more talents and improve independent innovation-based competitive advantages.

She suggested that many systems including financial, tax, insurance, and property rights should be improved to encourage manufacturing industries to start vocational education.

She supported the establishment of a public finance-led fund guarantee system, an increase in investment in vocational training programs, and the establishment of national and local vocational education data collection mechanisms to help develop a standardized education system.

"The college transformation is indispensable for the cultivation of advanced talents," Che said. "Colleges should put forward policies to recruit front-line talents for manufacturing industries and encourage innovation in courses."

Meanwhile, manufacturing enterprises should increase cooperation with colleges and universities and help improve curriculum provisions, teaching programs, and assessment criteria on campuses.

"Intermediary institutes can also offer suggestions for students on industrial information as well as vocational advice and guidance," Che added.