72 higher vocational schools in China open housekeeping service courses

In 2019, housekeeping service training has been on the rise in number and quality, according to an inter-ministerial meeting held recently to promote the industry’s quality improvement and scale expansion.

A total of 72 higher vocational schools have initiated courses related to domestic service. Recruitment of undergraduates and secondary vocational students majoring in housekeeping-related subjects increased significantly from last year. A multi-level housekeeping education and training system has been established.

In recent years, China’s household service industry has been growing fast. The industry’s business scale reached 576.2 billion yuan in 2018, a 27.9 percent year-on-year growth, and the total number of domestic service workers exceeded 30 million. However, problems still exist as effective supply is lacking, industry development remains non-standardized, and public satisfaction remains low.

The meeting called for efforts to develop household service enterprises with domestic workers as contracted employees and bring services into communities in 2020, while focusing on training enhancement, industry standards, working environment, interests and rights protection, smart home services, and financial services to increase the quality of the industry.

As for training, eligible schools will add domestic service majors and roll out more recruitment plans. The goal to train 5 million personnel should be achieved, as well as the plan to build bases integrating the industry and education. Also, it’s important to cultivate exemplary enterprises that integrate the profession’s teaching and practice.