International Labour Organization enhancing quality apprenticeship and lifelong learning in China with the support of J.P. Morgan

On 22nd and 23rd May 2023, with the support of J.P. Morgan, the ILO Quality Apprenticeship and Lifelong Learning in China Project Phase 2 was formally launched.

News | 22 May 2023
Group Photo of the Project Phase 2 Launch Ceremony

On 22nd and 23rd May 2023, with the support of J.P. Morgan, the ILO Quality Apprenticeship and Lifelong Learning in China Project Phase 2 was formally launched.

This 3-year project aims to consolidate substantial results achieved by the Project Phase 1 and extends to provide capacity building on quality apprenticeship, skill anticipation and matching, core skills and skills for the green jobs. Supported by J.P. Morgan, the ILO continues working with the Chinese government, social partners, employers and TVET institutions to promote responsive, green and inclusive skills development for decent work.



Video of Quality apprenticeship and lifelong learning in China Phase 1


The project launch in China was marked by an Expert Forum on Skills Development in Chongqing. Over 200 representatives from Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China (MOHRSS), social partners, Embassies, local management departments in charge of vocational training from eight pilot cities and two sectors, pilot enterprises, pilot TVET institutions and research institutes joined the project launch.

During the forum, global and national experts shared insights on how to advance quality apprenticeship and lifelong vocational training in the fast-changing labour market shaped by the green transition, technological transformation and other mega-trends. Participants shared a consensus that lifelong skills development is essential to achieve decent work for all workers. Quality apprenticeship, an integral part of lifelong skills development, can serve as an effective way to reduce job-skill mismatches, enhance sustainable development of enterprises and promote workers’ employability in the long term. After the forum, participants visited Chongqing Public Vocational Training Center as the on-site study tour.

During the Project Phase 2 launch, Dr. Changhee LEE, Director of ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia said: ‘Since 2020, supported by J.P. Morgan, the ILO worked with Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and social partners to implement Quality Apprenticeship and Lifelong Learning in China project. It yielded fruitful results and received active participations from national stakeholders.’ He continued, ‘With our joint efforts, the Project Phase 2 will focus on quality apprenticeship, skill anticipation and matching, core skills and skills for green jobs. Echoing with the national development context, the project will pay special attention to skills development for rural revitalization and the green transition. By working together, we can turn challenges to opportunities.’

With our joint efforts, the Project Phase 2 will focus on quality apprenticeship, skill anticipation and matching, core skills and skills for green jobs. Echoing with the national development context, the project will pay special attention to skills development for rural revitalization and the green transition. By working together, we can turn challenges to opportunities."

Changhee LEE, ILO Country Office Director for China and Mongolia

Ms. Xiaoyan QIAN, Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation Department of MOHRSS said: ‘Skilled talents are valuable human capital. Apprenticeship is an effective way to cultivate skilled talents. The Chinese government promotes lifelong vocational training for all urban and rural workers by actively implementing China New Enterprise-based Apprenticeship. MOHRSS and ILO worked together on Quality Apprenticeship and Lifelong Learning in China project, which achieved positive results. In the future, both sides will deepen such cooperation for the enhancement and innovation of apprenticeship training and lifelong vocational training.’

We are pleased to partner with expert organizations like the ILO to help foster youth and workers’ professional development by enhancing their career awareness, confidence and skills."

Celine XIONG, China Chief Operating Officer at J.P. Morgan
Ms. Celine XIONG, China Chief Operating Officer at J.P. Morgan said: ‘We are pleased to partner with expert organizations like the ILO to help foster youth and workers’ professional development by enhancing their career awareness, confidence and skills, and over 1,000 participants have directly benefitted from the Phase 1 project activities.’ She continued, ‘We are proud that more than 390,000 people across 19 provinces in China have benefitted from philanthropic programs and initiatives supported by us over the years. J.P. Morgan has been growing with China for over 100 years and it is critical for us to continue contributing to our local communities.’