Recognition of new occupations in line with trends

Editor’s note: China has recognized 11 new occupations and 23 new specialties under existing occupations. China Central Television spoke to Li Chang’an, a professor of the School of Government at the University of International Business and Economics, about how technological advances, industrial upgrading and changing consumer needs are reshaping the labor market. Below are excerpts of the interview. The views don’t necessarily represent those of China Daily.

The newly recognized occupations and specialties were identified and finalized on the basis of the demands of industrial and social development. In this sense, the new occupations and specialties announced each year represent the latest economic and social trends, while also reflecting the most pressing demands of the labor market.

Official recognition of these roles not only informs the public about emerging career opportunities but also indicates the areas where workers are increasingly needed in the context of China’s economic growth.

A notable feature of these newly recognized occupations and specialties is their alignment with new quality productive forces and the evolving demands these advances place on the labor market. The new quality productive forces are mainly developing in two major areas.

First, the innovation-driven economy, including the digital economy and artificial intelligence, is reshaping society. New technologies, particularly AI, are profoundly impacting the economy and becoming drivers of future development. They are generating new occupations and creating employment opportunities.

Second, the green economy, another important engine of new quality productive forces, is also generating demand for new occupations. At the same time, the modern services sector is undergoing continuous upgrading. People’s growing demand for improved living standards is creating new dimensions and generating a wide range of new jobs.

The government’s recognition of these new occupations, therefore, reflects the latest shifts in productive forces and the broader evolution of the economy and society.

Particularly noteworthy are occupations related to elderly care, a sector gaining importance as China’s population ages. The demand for elderly care workers has risen sharply, but there is a shortage of such workers. The recognition of these roles can lead to several positive changes.

First, it can make the profession more attractive. With clearer occupational standards and career pathways, more young people may be drawn to the elderly care sector.

Second, it can improve the service quality and standardization. Once an occupation is formally included in the national occupational classification system, relevant training standards and workplace guidelines can be developed and refined.

For elderly care service professionals, this means a clearly defined range of responsibilities and more standardized services. For older people, it can mean receiving more professional and better regulated care.

The term “new” is relative, with only some of these occupations entirely new. Many of the occupations and specialties already exist in society and have operated for some time. Employers submit applications for their recognition, after which the occupations undergo screening, evaluation and public consultation before official designation.

Compared with traditional occupations, however, these roles are indeed new. Their incorporation into the national occupational classification system raises some practical questions: How should workers in these fields be trained and how should these roles be regulated?

Addressing these questions involves tackling practical issues that arise when new occupations and specialties are formally established. Accelerating relevant work through implementation and practice is essential for these emerging occupations to develop and gain broader recognition in society.