Model workers to counsel the young

The central government is putting greater efforts into the all-around development of students and encouraging schools and universities to invite more model workers and craftsmen with State-level honors to act as visiting student counselors to develop young people into skilled and talented individuals.

According to a recent notice issued by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the Ministry of Education, model workers are encouraged to work part-time as counselors to talk to students and guide them in learning some skills. Schools and universities have also been encouraged to organize on-site activities at authorized educational practice centers and motivate students via online evaluations.

The aim over the next five years is to better connect elementary, vocational and higher education and to better promote craftsmanship and work ethic.

Since 2015, the federation and the ministry have organized nearly 100 kinds of activities that brought 45,000 model workers and craftsmen to give lectures and classes on school campuses.

The nation has made efforts to improve skilled workers' social status in the past few decades. In 1985, the national trade unions federation started to award model workers the May 1st Labor Medal — the nation's highest honor for workers — in appreciation of their good working performance and contributions to industries' development. In April, the federation presented the medal to 1,035 workers from industries such as manufacturing, delivery and healthcare.