Taicang advances vocational education with hands-on learning, global exchange

A group of students takes part in a vocational experience program in Taicang. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

By integrating education, international cooperation, and community service, Taicang continues to enhance the role of vocational education in cultivating talent and supporting broader social development.

Taicang has introduced a series of vocational experience programs for primary and secondary school students, including tea art, coffee making, Chinese pastry preparation, CNC lathe operation, and art design. Over the past three years, the programs have welcomed more than 5,000 participants.

Under the guidance of professional instructors, students gain hands-on experience while exploring real workplace environments. The practical activities aim to help young people establish a sound understanding of occupations and future career planning at an early stage.

Leveraging Taicang's reputation as the home of German enterprises, the city's vocational experience center has also become a platform for international educational exchange. In recent years, the center has hosted more than 10 groups of visiting teachers and students from countries including Germany and Italy.

Chinese and international participants have a tea art class in Taicang. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

Chinese and international participants have taken classes together in tea art, Chinese pastry making, and food carving, using hands-on activities to strengthen friendships and broaden perspectives.

The city has also expanded the center's social service role. It has organized experiential courses, including Chinese and Western pastry making, for educational union activities, enriching the cultural lives of teachers and staff.

In addition, the center has provided training in Chinese culinary skills for retired military personnel. To date, it has conducted more than 40 social training sessions, benefiting over 1,000 people and supporting employment and income growth.