China faces a severe unemployment challenge among young people, even those who have graduated from college.
Recently, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Anhui advertised a requirement of “master’s degree or above” for a security guard position. This has sparked mems and comments such as “A master’s degree just to guard the gate.” Also, more and more Chinese universities have started to extend the Master’s program from 2 years to 3 years.
Chongqing city has taken a new approach this year by assisting university graduates in securing international employment. Over 70 recent graduates from eight universities in Chongqing and Sichuan province have been referred by a state-owned enterprise to work in the middle east country Oman. According to Chongqing Daily, this international labor cooperation scheme is promoted by Chongqing Foreign Enterprise Service Co., Ltd., a company affiliated with the state-owned Chongqing Development Investment Company. Positions offered by Omani companies mainly involve technical roles and warehouse management positions, with benefits including food and accommodation. Monthly salaries range from 12,000 to 18,000 yuan (US$ 1,670 to 2,510), with 14 months’ pay and two free round-trip tickets annually. Employees can choose to renew their contracts after two years of employment. The graduates going to Oman are from institutions such as Chongqing Normal University and Chongqing Industrial Vocational and Technical College. Many of these graduates majored in chemical engineering, with some others majoring in electrical automation or English.
Source: Radio Free Asia, July 30, 2024
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/jobs-07302024080415.html