In response to a booming ecommerce industry in China, university-educated Chinese individuals are turning to blue-collar occupations in growing numbers. During the initial three months of 2024, the rate of under 25s applying for manual labour roles saw a staggering increase of 165% compared to 2019.
This trend can be attributed to the escalating requirement for employees in both manufacturing and services sectors due to China’s rapidly expanding digital commerce. At present, the opportunities in distribution are eightfold compared to the figures of 2019.
However, this tendency raises several pertinent questions. What has become of the professional job roles, that these young individuals might have dreamed of while investing in their university education? How have their parents reacted to this shift in job preference?
This evolution in Chinese labour demographics is triggering significant changes across society.
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