Explore subsidized training before paying a commercial provider
From 2025 through the end of 2027, China plans more than 30 million subsidized training attendances. Funding can come from employment subsidies, unemployment insurance, companies' employee education budgets, and other sources. Scarcer occupations and more expensive training can attract larger subsidies. Employees should ask their employer first; others should check the local human resources bureau's catalogue before choosing a course.
What it takes
Potentially free or substantially subsidized. Training still takes time. Resist enrolling impulsively before checking the subsidy catalogue.
What you may gain
The national target is more than 30 million subsidized training attendances from 2025 to the end of 2027, focused on advanced industries, urgently needed sectors, and priority employment groups. The policy coordinates employment subsidy funds, unemployment insurance funds, industry development funds, east–west cooperation funds, and enterprise employee education funds. Subsidies vary by occupation according to urgency, shortage levels, and training costs. Enterprises are also required to set aside and use employee education funds in full under the rules, with more than 60% used for frontline workers' education and training.
Context & considerations
Provinces determine application procedures and amounts. Start with the vocational training subsidy catalogue on your local human resources bureau's website and public practical-training centers. Chapter 7 covers vocational training subsidies during unemployment, available up to three times per person under the cited rules, and social insurance subsidies. Employees should first ask about their company's employee education fund. Choosing after reviewing the subsidy catalogue can cost much less than choosing first and looking for assistance afterward.
Research & references
State Council Leading Group for Employment Promotion and Labor Protection (2025). Guiding opinions on a large-scale vocational skills improvement training initiative. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202507/content_7032222.htm