Vocational colleges struggling despite market demand

A little-known college in Central China has made national headlines after it drew recruiters from more than 180 companies, while shutting the door on another 40 at a recent campus job fair.

Nearly 3,000 students will graduate with a diploma from Hubei Ecology Vocational College this summer, who despite their fancy specialties like gardening technology, ecological tourism, hotel management and vehicle inspection, will start work as trained gardeners, tour guides, hotel receptionists or mechanics, which don't require a bachelor's degree.

What has made the college's job placement especially unusual this year is that amid a general economic slowdown, the college has raised the bar for the jobs offered to its students, while continuing to aim for almost full employment for those who intend to work.