China will pilot a new training and appraisal system at its vocational schools to breed more talents with technical skills.

A circular jointly issued by four ministries including the Ministry of Education and the National Development and Reform Commission has proposed a "Diploma plus Certificates" system in vocational education.

New training and appraisal institutions will be established to take charge of a new skill certificate system. The institutions will set standards, develop training materials, issue certificates, and assist vocational schools in training students.

The new certificates will grade students more scientifically based on their ability to meet "social and corporate needs" with specific vocational skills, according to the circular.

Vocational schools at secondary and post-secondary levels are asked to train students based on appraisal standards set by the new certificates. Certificate-oriented training will be incorporated into the school curriculum, according to the circular.

Students trained in the new system are expected to hold a diploma and updated certificates after graduation and will be better prepared to meet market demand.

Five kinds of vocational skills have been selected as the first batch of reform areas, including information and communication technology, logistics and elderly care.