China Boosts Youth Jobs by Expanding AI Trainer and New Labor Brands

As China’s economy continues to develop, the country is introducing new labor service sectors, including roles for artificial intelligence trainers, to create more job opportunities for young individuals. This was highlighted at a recent conference organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in Nanning, Guangxi Province.

During the third National Conference on Labor Cooperation and the Development of Labor Brands, officials showcased various emerging labor sectors, such as AI trainers and low-altitude flight computer numerical control operators from Shanghai, along with animation creative designers from Shenyang in Liaoning Province.

Starting in 2021, China began establishing labor service brands aimed at cultivating a skilled workforce and enhancing job prospects. These initiatives, supported by the government, focus on industry-specific programs within regions that combine skills training, employment services, and formal certification, producing dependable pools of skilled labor. Nearly 2,500 such brands have been created nationwide, supporting employment for approximately 100 million individuals, according to official data.

The Xuhui AI Trainer brand was developed by a human resources firm based in Shanghai, Lingang Caohejing Talent, in partnership with prominent AI companies. To date, over 1,600 workers have been placed in AI firms through this program, earning a median annual salary between CNY150,000 and CNY200,000 (roughly USD21,000 to USD28,000).

Roles as AI trainers are designed to generate new job paths within the digital economy. With proper training, job seekers can adapt swiftly to workplace demands and boost their employability, explained Ma Jialu, recruitment director at Caohejing Talent. Case studies reveal that trained chemical data annotators can earn around CNY13,000 per month (about USD1,800), which is a 50% increase over initial expectations, Ma added.

Another tech-driven labor brand from Shanghai is the Yangpu Low-Altitude Flight CNC Operator, developed jointly by the Yangpu Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and China International Intellectech Group. This initiative aims to train individuals to conduct flight operations in various environments, including high-altitude and urban settings, targeting groups like recent graduates and military veterans to help them find employment.

Shenyang, an established industrial city in Northeast China, has been actively developing its cultural and creative sectors to support industry transformation. The Shenyang Animation Artist labor brand, supported by local authorities, has attracted over 20,000 practitioners contributing to notable projects such as Ne Zha 2 and Black Myth: Wu Kong.

The animation industry is particularly appealing to young people, noted Wu Zhe, president of the local Animation Industry Association. He mentioned that the average annual income for animation professionals in Shenyang exceeds CNY100,000 (about USD14,000), significantly above the city’s average salary, and earnings tend to grow with more experience and skills.

Since 2022, China has reported over 10 million college graduates for four consecutive years, with expectations to reach 12.7 million next year—an increase of 480,000 from this year, according to the Ministry of Education.