Industry must improve without skilled workers

With the rapid advancement of China's economy, the pace at which technological products are replaced is accelerating. As a result, having a skilled workforce has become essential for companies to stay competitive in the global market. Therefore, our company must rethink its approach, place greater emphasis on vocational education, and address the persistent shortage of skilled workers. Germany is widely recognized for its high-quality products, largely due to its highly trained technical workforce. The country fosters a social environment that values craftsmanship and respects skilled labor. Many prominent business leaders and politicians in Germany come from artisan backgrounds, and the average income of German technicians often exceeds the national average. This cultural appreciation for skilled work is one of the reasons why "Made in Germany" is synonymous with quality. In contrast, in China, there is a strong societal preference for academic success over vocational training, leading to an imbalanced education system and a growing gap in skilled labor. Over the past three decades, China’s textile industry has experienced significant economic growth. However, this growth hasn’t necessarily translated into higher employment rates. This is a common challenge faced by many textile regions across the country. Today, companies in coastal areas are leveraging advanced technologies and automation to boost productivity and raise the skill level of their workforce. These enterprises have moved beyond traditional manual operations and entered a phase of rapid expansion and increased efficiency. Yet, despite this progress, many business owners still face difficulties in finding qualified workers. Meanwhile, numerous training centers—once vital to developing skilled labor—have been shut down. For example, technical schools run by companies like Hunan Shaoyang Erfangji, Changde Textile Machinery, and Yuansha City Cotton Spinning Factory were closed in the 1980s and 1990s. In the 21st century, domestic textile enterprises have shifted toward high-tech, automated, and intelligent production systems, demanding higher technical proficiency from workers. Take a sweater manufacturing company in Beijing as an example: its pattern-makers must not only be proficient in computer-aided design but also understand the intricacies of knitting processes and yarn quality. According to the company’s general manager, key positions in the pattern-printing division are filled by skilled workers who have both education and hands-on experience. Their salaries are significantly higher than those of white-collar employees, yet their social status remains low. Langxi County in Heilongjiang Province is a major flax production area where skilled workers are in high demand. These workers can enhance a company’s productivity and research capabilities. However, most local companies are hesitant to invest in worker training, resulting in passive and indirect R&D efforts. Such reluctance will ultimately lead to their decline in the face of fierce competition. To maintain a competitive edge, companies can look to Jiangsu Nantong Lianfa for inspiration. As a well-known yarn-dyeing enterprise, Lianfa operates a technical school that combines theory with practical training. Both professional instructors and experienced technicians teach students, ensuring they gain real-world skills. Key roles within the company are held by trained workers, allowing the company’s technical standards and philosophy to be effectively implemented from top to bottom. Investing in vocational education improves the quality of the workforce, which in turn boosts productivity. This leads to more and better products being produced in less time, driving up profits. Increased profits then encourage further investment, enabling companies to grow and expand. A good example is Qingdao Textile Machinery, which consistently increases its investment in technical training institutions. By introducing cutting-edge technologies and broadening students’ knowledge, the company ensures its workforce remains competitive. The development of the textile economy relies on high-quality labor to generate greater profits. Enterprises must recognize this reality. Only a well-trained and skilled workforce can provide the continuous drive needed for sustainable growth in the textile industry. We hope that in the near future, the world will take pride in “Made in China.”