North China's Shanxi province has issued a three-year action plan (2024-2026) to establish a 1+N+N industrial craftsman college system. The plan aims to cultivate a network of vocational training institutes across the province, with at least 25 provincial and city-level colleges and 40 branches expected to be established by 2026.

The 1+N+N system will focus on training programs tailored to the needs of modern industries, emphasizing high-end manufacturing, smart technologies, and green development. Each city-level industrial craftsman college will be responsible for providing at least two specialized programs.

Each college should conduct at least four training sessions annually, training a minimum of 50 high-skilled workers and 300 other workers. At least 85 percent of participants are required to complete the program and pass the relevant certification exams.

The plan also outlines a straightforward process for establishing the 1+N+N system. After receiving applications from city-level trade unions and provincial-level industry unions or working committees, the Shanxi Provincial Federation of Trade Unions will select some of them and approve their establishment on an annual basis. All selected colleges will be authorized to display a unified industrial craftsman college logo.

The Shanxi Provincial Federation of Trade Unions will not only provide financial support to the colleges, but also encourage city-level trade unions and provincial-level industry unions or working committees to allocate funds to support their respective colleges.