Chinas vocational education reform has introduced diverse talent development models, many of which remain unimplemented. This study investigates work-based vocational training for skilled professionals, exploring pathways to cultivate high-level technical talents in modern vocational education and supporting talent development initiatives. Using the Smart Elderly Care Services and Management program at a preschool teacher training college as a case study, we conducted longitudinal research and proposed concrete measures for school-enterprise collaboration. The findings demonstrate that work-based models significantly enhance vocational students professional competencies and employability, providing actionable references for optimizing talent development programs in vocational institutions. Future recommendations include strengthening institutional safeguards for school-enterprise partnerships, improving teachers practical teaching skills, expanding work-based models across more disciplines, and exploring integration with digital education technologies.
Long Liu (Mon,) studied this question.