Experts urge better training for China's migrants

Experts have called for improved vocational education for migrant workers to help them better integrate into cities.

"Sound vocational education and training systems for migrant workers are prerequisites for their stable employment and urban inclusion," said Zhu Liangyu, manager of the Haidian District branch of the Beijing Security Service General Company.

Zhu, also a deputy to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, was speaking at a symposium held on Wednesday about the issue.

Migrant workers, especially younger ones, lack quality education, income and social identity, and have not been integrated well into urban life, Zhang Wujun, an official with the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said at the symposium.

Migrant workers aged 21 to 30 accounted for 31.9 percent of the migrant group in 2012, according to Zhang.

Zhu said authorities must reform current employment and social insurance systems for migrant workers as well as vocational education and training systems to help them familiarize themselves with city life.

Other experts recommended that vocational and technical education be promoted in communities and called for enhanced training in new industries.