German-funded enterprises in Taicang[Photo/taicang.gov.cn]

The Professional and Technical Qualification Requirements for Engineers at German-Funded Enterprises in Suzhou (Requirements for short), China's first such English document, was officially released. Employees at the city's German-funded enterprises (GFEs) can now start submitting applications for medium-level professional titles.

Known as the home of GFEs in China, Taicang boasts a large number of foreign and domestic professional and technical personnel and technical workers with German occupational qualifications obtained through the Sino-Germany dual education system.

To better serve GFEs in the city, the Joint Evaluation Committee of the Suzhou German-Funded Company Professional and Technical Qualification was founded in Taicang in June 2019. It is China's first professional qualification evaluation committee made up of both Chinese and foreign experts.

With the aim of integrating into the international talent evaluation system, creating a hub for international talent, and improving services for the GFE community, the Suzhou Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Taicang Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and Taicang Engineers Association jointly worked out the Requirements (both the English and Chinese versions) based on existing standards as well as suggestions from GFEs.

In order to accommodate GFE's requirements for engineers and their company training systems, the Requirements made changes in the following three areas:

1. Further education

The minimum required learning hours have quadrupled and consist of four learning modules: at least 36 hours of professional and technical training, 12 hours of general skills training, 6 hours of rule and policy study, and 3 hours of work ethics and interdisciplinary learning.

Acceptable forms of further education include but are not limited to courses, lectures, seminars, and forums. Learning hours from corporate training or other third-party training institutions, if they are recognized by independent agencies, can also be counted.

2. Project report and oral defense

A traditional thesis has been replaced by a practical project report that should be completed mainly in Chinese. In addition, a compulsory oral defense has been introduced. The PowerPoint presentation used for the defense should be in both Chinese and English. During the oral defense, the applicant is expected to answer questions primarily in Chinese, but in English if necessary.

Three members from the Joint Evaluation Committee of the Suzhou German Company Professional and Technical Qualification, including one expert from Germany, shall serve on the oral defense committee.

3. Remove restrictions on social insurance payments

Professional and technical workers who have labor contracts with Taicang-based GFEs but have their social insurance paid out in other locations will be eligible to apply for professional titles as long as they can provide a Payment Certificate for Personal Income Tax in Taicang.

Source: Suzhou Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau; Wechat ID: szxwwx

Please scan the QR code below to read the Professional and Technical Qualification Requirements for Engineers at German Funded Enterprises in Suzhou (English version).