Shanghai expands high-skilled domestic service training program

Shanghai Open University inaugurated the second cohort of its Shanghai housekeeper training program on Saturday, enrolling over 50 frontline domestic workers in a comprehensive five-month course aimed at enhancing the professionalism of the city's domestic service sector.

The inaugural class saw 67 students graduate last year.

The results from the first cohort were impressive: 85 percent of graduates received client commendations and salary increases, while 56 percent achieved significant career advancements. Several graduates earned municipal vocational awards, including An Xiaojiao, who secured first place in home storage and organization at the 2026 Shanghai women's domestic service vocational skills competition.

The updated curriculum expands on 13 core modules with new courses in smart home management, home storage and organization, medical accompaniment, pet care, and family psychological counseling, catering to the city's growing demand for diverse, high-quality household services.

The new intake reflects a changing industry profile. Students have an average age of 39.8 years—1.2 years younger than the first cohort—with 42.3 percent holding a bachelor's degree or higher, an increase of 14 percentage points.

Nearly a quarter of the students have over 10 years of experience. All participants were selected through a rigorous process involving resume screening, psychological testing, written exams, and interviews.

The program aligns with Shanghai's broader initiative to professionalize domestic services. In October 2025, six municipal departments, led by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, unveiled a three-year action plan to develop employee-based domestic enterprises. The first 16 pilot firms have transitioned 2,741 workers to employee status, with 97.8 percent holding vocational certificates. Their revenue increased by 32 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026.

"Domestic workers should not merely be helpers around the house; they should become professional family life service specialists," Jia Wei, dean of Shanghai Open University, said. The university will continue to refine the curriculum to cultivate versatile professionals with both technical expertise and service empathy. The program is scheduled to run through January 2027.