Vocational Training in the People's Republic of China

China is the largest provider of vocational training in the world, with its huge labour population creating a great need of training in all forms. On the basis of a general review of the historical development of vocational training in China since 1949, this article provides a brief introduction to the major forms of vocational training carried out throughout China. In particular, it looks at vocational training in the context of current economic reforms, and analyses how vocational training will develop in the face of the opportunities and challenges brought about by the establishment of a market economy.