Liu Kang, an official with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, said the vocational training mainly targeted laid-off workers, rural laborers, graduates of various kinds of schools and those already employed.

As state assistance to laid-off workers has shifted from providing them with a guaranteed basic livelihood to helping them acquire qualifications for re-employment, the government would link its capital investment to the performance of training agencies.

"Only those that have fulfilled their (training) quotas and lived up to the standards designated by local governments can enjoy financial support," he said.

The ministry has vowed to help 90 percent of laid-off workers who have attended vocational training to become qualified and 50 percent of them to be re-employed.

In cooperation with the International Labor Organization, China also plans to set up pioneering training in 100 cities, helping at least 40 percent of trainees become self-employed and start up their own businesses.

As China's supply of technicians falls short of market demand, Chen Yu, a ministry official in charge of technical guidance, said China would redouble its efforts to train technicians especially those highly skilled.

A labor force reserve system will be introduced among middle school graduates and surplus rural laborers, with an aim to better equip them before they apply for a job.

(People?s Daily August 1, 2002)