Skilled workers discuss benefits reaped from efforts

In the run-up to the May Day holiday, the State Council Information Office on Friday invited a group of China Skills Award winners and representatives of the country's most skilled workers to share their stories about how their abilities have benefited themselves and their motherland.

Li Hui, a senior electrician with the China Southern Power Grid and winner of a China Skills Award

Workers are the ones who oversee the last step in the development of a new technology, engineering design or the implementation of a plan. If handled properly, there will be quality products and projects; if not, there may be a disaster. Such an irreplaceable role played by us workers is becoming increasingly notable and has won us respect at our company. I am an ordinary worker without an administrative title, but my pay is on a par with the head of our department. I have two workmates who are outstanding experts in our company, and their pay rivals that of the company's deputy general manager.

Wei Fengyun, a senior welder with the China State Shipbuilding Corporation

Our company has been strengthening training for workers. The skills of front-line workers have improved notably, and there are more and more opportunities for us to participate and outshine others in various skills competitions and training programs. Also, our skill level is pegged to things such as job promotions and pay raises. Some highly skilled workers also become chief technicians or are promoted to other advanced positions.

Zheng Zhiming, fitter with Guangxi Auto, an automaker headquartered in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region

Last year, I was among the first skilled workers to be given the title of special-grade technician in Guangxi. That broke the "ceiling" of my expected career development. Our company is also improving the payment system for skilled personnel. Some highly skilled workers receive the same treatment as mid-level leaders, and the company also offers bonuses based on expertise and skills. This has greatly motivated skilled employees.

Jin Kejuan, president of Anhui Fuyang Technician Institute

When the institute was first established, it was difficult to recruit students. Only about 1,000 students enrolled every year. As a result, we continued to innovate our operations strategy, and we gradually devised one in which we now strive to ensure the college is like a factory, a classroom is like a workshop, a teacher is like a master and our students are like apprentices. Since then, the college has become a local business card. Today, more than 5,000 students are enrolled every year, and we now have nearly 20,000 on campus each year. As graduation approaches, enterprises swarm onto the campus. In some cases, employers have to compete for the attention of the graduating students.

Ma Xiaoguang, milling machine operator with coach bus maker Beijing North Vehicle Group Corporation

It was last year that I passed my evaluation and became one of our company's first chief technicians. My salary has been increased to the leadership standard. I also participated in the company's overseas training and exchange programs. Because of the good policies of the State and our company, I, as a common technical school graduate and ordinary worker, was able to become part of the National Skills Master Studio and won a China Skills Award.