Beijing subway: Man behind the scenes

A construction worker in the new section of Beijing Metro Line 8, April 15, 2017. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/For chinadaily.com.cn]

From poor-educated migrant worker to motivated self-learner

While Ning has struggle with not having a college degree throughout his working life, he has been given the chance to study in his current role, with the help and influence of his current project manager.

"Wang Haimin, my project manager, impresses me a lot with his profound knowledge," he said.

"He is also from a rural village."

"During our lunch breaks, I often read news stories, books or even WeChat subscriptions.

"I have realized there is a lot of information about machines and our work on the internet."

The labor resource dilemma

As Ning enjoys his job and is the backbone of his family, he said he would like to continue his position for at least another decade.

Ning earns about 200 yuan each day and believed his physical condition would be good enough to continue on, despite the company's regulations of not hiring migrant workers aged 55-years and above.

Zhang Shengchu, head security of the company, said the company prefers to hire migrants under the age of 50, with a maximum of 55 years, as the labor is hard.

"For workers, like Ning, who still want to do their role after the age of 55, they will have to switch over and become cleaners," he said.

"Unfortunately, it means their salaries will decrease, but it's because the construction workers are paid relatively well now."

Zhang also said he held concern for the future of the company, in regards to its employees, as a majority of the workers are in their late forties.

"Young people are not willing to do this job," he said.