What they say

Editor's note: Five technicians and officials in areas of oil drilling, textile and human resources shared their opinions on technician training at a news conference by the State Council Information Office on Friday.

The number of workers with technical skills has increased by 23 percent since 2012 to over 165 million this year, and they've shown quite impressive performances at their jobs. However, we've recognized that jobs requiring technical skills are not appreciated or attractive to the young generation. Companies also pay less attention to enhancing their workers' capabilities, which will bring challenges to economic development and the job market in the long term. I hope that the stereotype of the technician can be changed, as every trade has its master.

Zhang Lixin, 52, director with vocational capacity building department of Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security