Producing China's engineers of the future

Upgrading the nation's manufacturing sector will require innovative steps to cultivate new talent. Cheng Si reports.

In a modern skyscraper, even a tiny screw or brick is of vital importance, and the same is true of the skilled workers who tighten the last screw in strict accordance with the architect's plan to build a safe, solid shelter.

In China, skilled technicians and engineers, even those recognized as having a high level of competence, were once plagued by low social status, poor conditions and meager salaries. Gradually, though, they have earned respect, in tandem with the rise of the manufacturing sector.