High-tech based vocational training for deaf students and job placement in technology companies

Changsha College in China trains deaf jobseekers with ICT tools and specialized courses. In 2024, 282 students enrolled, maintaining a 96% graduate employment rate over three years.

Changsha Vocational and Technical College, located in Hunan province, has developed a comprehensive system to improve the vocational skills of deaf jobseekers. The training offers specialized courses such as Visual Communication Design and Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance. Advanced ICT-based communication tools and tailored teaching methods are used. The college also collaborates with businesses, schools, and authorities. In 2024, 282 deaf students were enrolled, with a graduate employment rate of 96 per cent over the past three years.

Problems Targeted

Deaf people in China face challenges integrating into society and the workplace. Solutions are needed to improve their skills and promote professional development.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Open, Inclusive, and Innovative: Driving Sustainable Career Development for the Deaf is a training programme of Changsha Vocational and Technical College, a public vocational school located in Changsha in Hunan province. The programme improves the vocational skills of deaf people and thus improves their chances of entering the labour market. Special vocational courses include automobile inspection and maintenance technology and computer network technology. Teaching uses innovative methods such as project-based learning and the flipped classroom, whereby students learn content outside of class and apply it in class. An online learning platform provides varied, high-quality course content and enables deaf people to study at their own pace. Real-time speech-to-text sign language translation software and augmented reality provide a barrier-free environment. The college also works with government, businesses, and schools to provide tailored career planning and employment support, raise public awareness, and advocate for inclusive recruitment and the interests of deaf people. In 2024 the college had 282 deaf students enrolled in 12 classes and taught by 15 teachers. The employment rate for graduates is 96 per cent.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Changsha Vocational and Technical College receives public funding. It has also set up a special subsidy and reward mechanism to encourage companies and individuals to provide funds or other forms of support for the vocational training of deaf people. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

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Changsha Vocational and Technical College offers specialized courses for deaf students.

Changsha Vocational and Technical College offers specialized courses for deaf students.

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