On a rainy afternoon in Tianjin, a group of foreign journalists is granted a rare glimpse into the heart of one of China’s leading vocational colleges.
By Aoon Sherazi
Amidst the city’s bustling streets, where innovation and progress coexist, this institution is shaping the future by blending education with industry. A tale of ambition, skill-building, and global connections unfolds, as students from around the world prepare to turn their dreams into careers.
Among them stood reporters from across continents, eyes keen and notebooks ready, curious to witness a story that China has quietly been writing over the years: a transformation powered not by ivory towers but by vocational institutes equipping young people with real-world skills.
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Their destination was Tianjin Light Industry Vocational Technical College, a rising star in China’s vocational education landscape. With a student population of around 11,000 and a dedicated staff of over 500, this college has become known for producing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also ethically grounded a combination increasingly rare and deeply valuable in today’s world.
The visit was part of the “China Up Close: Tianjin Tour”, co-organised by China Global Television Network (CGTN) and the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government. The college welcomed the delegation with open arms and transparent pride, eager to share its story.
College President Li Yunmei, in an engaging session with the journalists, spoke about the institution’s mission and success. Specialisations such as mould design, photovoltaic power generation, and e-commerce are just a few examples of how the college aligns itself with China’s rapidly advancing industrial landscape.
What sets this institution apart is its firm commitment to “learning by doing.” Students are given platforms to innovate, create, and solve problems — a culture where practical excellence is celebrated just as much as theoretical knowledge. More than 100 international cooperation projects further enhance the college’s global outlook.
Tianjin’s powerful industrial engine, built around its “1+3+4” economic model, supports this vision. With thriving sectors like equipment manufacturing, green energy, and artificial intelligence, the city provides a perfect backdrop for technical training institutions to thrive. According to President Li, the college’s programmes are developed through active collaboration between industry partners and educators ensuring students graduate job-ready.
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As a designated national pilot zone for vocational reform, Tianjin is home to initiatives like the “Double High-level Colleges” and “Entrepreneurship and Integration” programmes. These reforms are backed by strong government support and targeted funding, making Tianjin a powerhouse of modern vocational education.
Sectors such as mechanical design, mechatronics, automation, and smart controls are now in high demand and the college is equipping students precisely in these areas. The Luban Workshop platform, with its international presence, plays a central role in fostering student exchanges and deepening industry academic ties beyond borders.
President Li proudly explained how the college is working toward both “bringing in” international students and “going out” through overseas collaborations. The ultimate goal? To prepare young people not just for jobs, but for global careers.
Among the students benefiting from this vision is Mohsin from Pakistan, who shared his early impressions of life at the college: “Being new here, my priority is to master the basics automation, language, and cultural understanding. These are the keys to a better future.” He also highlighted the many advantages available to international students, including scholarships, stating, “If anyone from Pakistan or elsewhere wants to build skills that matter globally, this is the place.”
As an investigative journalist, I observed more than just statistics and slogans I saw a strategy at work. A coordinated vision where government policy, industrial demand, and educational institutions work in harmony. What impressed me most was the seriousness with which China is investing in vocational education as a driver of national development. This is not window dressing this is a long term blueprint.
For Pakistan, where 60% of the population is under 35, this model offers deep inspiration. Our youth need not just degrees they need direction, skills, and exposure. Vocational education, if rightly implemented and internationally supported, could turn our demographic pressure into an engine of progress. Institutions like this college in Tianjin offer a blueprint Pakistan would do well to study, adapt, and apply.
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A special mention is deserved for the CGTN team, particularly Jen, whose coverage of Pakistan’s vocational journey was nothing short of remarkable. Her storytelling was crisp yet compassionate, analytical yet emotionally grounded. Through her lens, she told Pakistan’s story with honesty and empathy a rare combination in international reporting. She not only captured the facts but also the heartbeat of a nation striving to empower its youth.
In Tianjin, under grey skies and bright minds, we found more than just an institution ,we found an idea in motion. An idea that talent, when trained with purpose, can build not just machines but futures.
