To enhance the implementation of the principles set forth at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and in line with The Opinions on Deepening the Reform of the Modern Vocational Education System issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, a strategic initiative has been undertaken to bolster the training of skilled talent, including skilled craftsmen and master craftsmen.
This effort is pivotal for the high-quality development of China's civil aviation industry.
In this context, a significant collaboration was formed between the Education and Training Centre of the Open University of China (OUC), the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC), and Tianjin Open University (OU). On 26 December 2023, these institutions convened at the OUC to sign a strategic cooperation agreement titled "Training Programme for Professional Talent in the Field of Civil Aviation".
The signing ceremony was graced by prominent figures: Wang Qiming, secretary of the Party Committee and president of the OUC; Xu Mingjun, deputy secretary of the OUC Party Committee; Ding Shuiting, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and president of CAUC; Wang Zhiqiang, member of the CAUC Party Committee; Zhang Zongwang, secretary of the Party Committee and president of Tianjin OU; and Li Yongqiang, vice president of Tianjin OU. Their presence underscored the significance of this partnership in advancing China's civil aviation sector.
The leaders of the three universities placed significant emphasis on the importance of signing the agreement. Wang Qiming highlighted that the collaboration among the three institutions to initiate a professional training programme in the field of civil aviation aligns with the guiding principles set forth by the 20th National Congress of the CPC. The principles advocate for the promotion of collaborative innovation across vocational education, higher education, and continuing education, and encourage the integration of vocational and general education, as well as industry, science, and education, with an emphasis on the role of vocational education within the broader educational system. Wang Qiming stressed the urgency for the three parties to actively explore cooperative mechanisms, leverage their unique strengths, and develop a novel model for future collaboration between open education and universities.
Ding Shuiting highlighted the growing demand for applied talent in China's rapidly expanding civil aviation industry. The collaboration among the three parties is poised for significant potential. The CAUC will capitalize on its strengths in specialised teaching, practical training, and internships, creating a "special zone" for talent cultivation. This initiative will bring benefits to an increasing number of professionals in the sector.
Zhang Zongwang noted that this collaboration capitalizes on the strengths of the OUC education system. The Tianjin Branch will provide comprehensive support for talent development, fostering a seamless integration with degree education and maintaining a high standard of educational quality.
Wang Qifu, director of the OUC Education and Training Centre, stated that the collaboration project for developing specialised talent in the civil aviation industry represents a novel approach in the OUC's non-degree education. The Education and Training Centre is fully committed to working closely with all relevant parties. It aims to ensure robust teaching and practical training, maintain strict quality control, and pioneer a talent cultivation model that integrates "skill + degree + employment". This approach is designed to support practitioners in simultaneously enhancing their job skills and educational qualifications.
The OUC Education and Training Centre, CAUC, and Tianjin OU are set to harness their unique resource strengths. They aim to develop an employment-focused talent cultivation system tailored for the civil aviation industry. Together, they plan to establish a comprehensive learning platform. This platform will enhance both skill training and educational qualifications for current and aspiring civil aviation professionals. The collaboration seeks to streamline resource integration and communication, make the most of the credit bank's benefits, and foster diverse cooperative exchanges. These include the harmonization of courses with certifications and the transfer of achievements. The initiative is strategically designed to foster a seamless link between talent development and the industry chain, ultimately providing the civil aviation sector with a wealth of professional talent.
Before the signing ceremony, guests from the CAUC and Tianjin OU visited the OUC's "Internet + University" Exhibition Centre and the Seniors University of China's Exhibition Hall. Ding Shuiting expressed that the educational achievements of the OUC and its contributions to social and economic development had made a profound impression on him. He hopes to further enhance cooperation with the OUC on a broader scale, starting with the Training Programme for Professional Talent in the Field of Civil Aviation.
Written by Cai Lisong and photographed by Zhao Liqiang