China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has added 19 new job titles to its official list of skilled professions – most reflecting the country’s increasing reliance on its digital and tech sectors, the South China Morning Post reports.
Some of the more futuristic occupations listed included ‘live-streamer’ and ‘test driver of smart cars’. They were joined by ‘artificial intelligence (AI) system application specialist’, ‘planning and operations engineer for cultural products’ and ‘administrator of intelligent manufacturing systems’.
“The release of new occupations is of great significance for developing jobs, guiding vocational education and training, improving the standards of employees and promoting employment and entrepreneurship,” the ministry said.
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The list was reportedly compiled in response to guidelines from China’s State Council on building a highly skilled workforce, and finalised after lengthy public consultations. China has said that skilled professionals will account for at least 30 percent of its working population by 2025.
China’s unemployment rate for 16-to-24-year-olds who aren’t studying was a very high 13.2 percent in June, according to official figures. The country’s 25-29 age group had a 6.4 percent rate, while those aged between 30 and 59’s rate was a more acceptable four percent.
Live-streaming, incidentally, is the act of broadcasting video – usually of one’s self – in real time; it is a form of digital content creation. According to research from Renmin University of China, the profession appealed primarily to military veterans, migrant workers and students struggling to find employment.
