Job hunters struggling in China's overcrowded job market may feel encouraged by a list of nine new occupations that have been written into the national occupation list.

Image design, lock repair and gas filling have been cited as new jobs by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Other new occupations are jewelry design and processing, beef rating and calling services.

Eight other new occupations, which are still being checked for feasibility, are expected to be declared soon. They include job information analysis, credibility management, website editing and business design.

Zhang Xiaojian, vice-minister of the ministry, said the new occupations had come about because of the process of social and economic development.

"The occupations are created by social and economic development and are new opportunities for job hunters," said Zhang.

He said a publicity campaign should be launched to make sure the jobless were aware of the potential these jobs offer.

The ministry will publish occupational standards for the new occupations and organize professionals to write training material about the nine jobs.

Chen Yu, a senior official in charge of occupational training, said China should revamp all its vocational training resources in a market-oriented direction.

Schools traditionally tend to offer students certificates as proof they have finished their training and turn a blind eye to whether they have improved their work skills.

In China, a severe lack of skilled workers is affecting productivity.

(China Daily August 20, 2004)