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

Jinshan Cheng and Vincent Wee
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Jinshan Cheng: University Tun Abdul Razak
Vincent Wee: Hangzhou Vocational &

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 9, 152-167

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.

Date: 2025
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