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Modern Apprenticeship in China’s Vocational Education: A Systematic Review of Policy, Design, and Outcomes

Author

Listed:
  • Jinshan Cheng

    (University Tun Abdul Razak)

  • Vincent Wee

    (Hangzhou Vocational &)

Abstract

China expanded modern apprenticeship in VET, yet the designs that scale with quality and equity remain unclear. This study reviews 48 empirical sources from 2021 to 2025 to capture the post reform consolidation and rapid massification period. A systematic review with framework synthesis and directed content analysis graded evidence as strong, moderate, or limited based on number of contributing studies, design diversity, and directional consistency. Stronger results are associated with collaborative governance, staged school-enterprise cooperation, alternation of work and study, real production tasks, trained mentors, and dual-qualified teachers. Student outcomes improve in engagement, competence, on-time graduation, and progression to higher education. Employer and system effects include better skill match, while turnover control and equity remain weak. Constraints persist in stigma, teacher shortages, uneven regional capacity, and quality assurance. The synthesis translates into a prioritized roadmap that advances policy alignment and sector councils, program fidelity with mentor development, and supports that protect equity at scale. The roadmap guides ministries, colleges, and firms on near term implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinshan Cheng & Vincent Wee, 2025. "Modern Apprenticeship in China’s Vocational Education: A Systematic Review of Policy, Design, and Outcomes," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 152-167, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:152-167
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bernd-Joachim Ertelt & Andreas Frey & Melanie Hochmuth & Jean-Jacques Ruppert & Silke Seyffer, 2021. "Apprenticeships as a Unique Shaping Field for the Development of an Individual Future-Oriented “Vocationality”," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Yuanbao Zhang & Jinyu Song, 2024. "An Empirical Study on the Willingness and Behavior of Higher Vocational College Students to Participate in Modern Apprenticeship: Based on Theory of Planned Behavior," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(2), pages 21582440241, June.
    3. Yujuan Chen & Ning Gan, 2021. "Sustainable Development of Employability of University Students Based on Participation in the Internship Promotion Programme of Zhejiang Province," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-14, December.
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