Training programs boost migrant workers' prospects

Recently, Zhang Fuling has been busy at a vocational school near her home, learning skills that will allow her to obtain work as a professional babysitter.

The resident of Songji township, Linquan county, Anhui province, used to be a migrant worker at an electrical components factory in Jiangsu province.

However, the company was badly affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak, so Zhang returned home in search of job opportunities. That resulted in the 50-year-old attending training sessions organized by the local government.

During the 20-day session, Zhang and 30 other women－some of them returnee migrant workers like herself－are learning how to play with babies, give them massages and cook food and snacks for them.

When the training ends, Zhang and her peers will take an exam and those who pass will become qualified babysitters. "With the certificate, it will be easier for me to land a job in the sector," she said.