On the improvement of school-enterprise cooperation (SEC) in China

Abstract

School-enterprise cooperation is a basic institution of Chinese technical and vocational education and training (TVET). However, at present, School- Enterprise Cooperation (SEC) in China lacks sufficient motivation at various aspects, and numerous problems exist. This research applies questionnaire and interview methods to principals and vice principals of higher vocational colleges and human resource managers of enterprises in Beijing, Shenyang, Fushun, Jilin, Tieling, and so on to investigate the current state of school-enterprise cooperation. Problems identified include the provision of financing from only one source, enterprises’ low level of involvement and commitment, reform lagging behind in qualification certification, and the low status of skilled workers. From the perspective of institutional complementarity theory, these problems reflect imperfect response systems. These TVET systems represent an important orientation of school-enterprise cooperation research beyond merely cooperation itself – in this regard, four proposals are presented in the basis of comparison between the situation in China and in other countries: A co-funding system, co-contribution to joint training by schools and enterprises, linking TVET with qualification certification, and improving the professional title system for skilled workers.