Scanning, data analysis and transmission, operation…it only takes about 30 seconds to solve the Rubik's cube using a robotic arm, and that is the graduation project of a student at China (Tianjin) Public Vocational Training Center.

"Aside from solving the Rubik's cube, such robotic arms can also operate heavy machines in many industries like mining," said Yang Kai while introducing the robotic arm, which was designed and made by Yang's classmate.

"We (Yang and the robotic arm maker) studied in the same class during a one-year vocational training project from 2018 to 2019. Back then I just graduated from a community college in Tianjin and had gone through a difficult time finding ideal jobs. After discussion with my parents, I decided to apply for the vocational training project at China (Tianjin) Public Vocational Training Center. We didn't have to pay the tuition fees because the training center got financial support from the local government," Yang said.

The 23-year-old man now works in Tianjin Huaning Electronics Co Ltd as an engineer. "I couldn't be qualified for the position if I didn't study at the vocational training center," Yang said.

Yang is not the only one who benefited from vocational training. In recent years, Tianjin has been stepping up efforts promoting vocational training to solve the problem of labor shortages in certain industries to raise the employment rate.

The municipality has funded the China (Tianjin) Public Vocational Training Center, and also offered financial support to similar training schools and companies.

To date, a total of 241 companies have set up training centers for their employment to further improve skills with support from Tianjin government. The municipality also launched a training project for 2,100 people in 11 areas that are facing a scarcity of workers.