China trials dual academic-technical courses to drive status shift

Maybe the Chinese could learn from the 'Degree Apprenticeship' model as practiced in the UK. Students gain entry-level employment in a company with sufficient vision to sponsor them through a part-time degree (4.5 years rather than 3) which is mostly taught via distance learning so the student is able to work for the company alongside their studies. By the time they graduate, they are already profitable members of their sponsoring organisation, with the degree providing the theoretical underpinnings for all the practical experience that they gain at work.