Ever year thousands of Australian students graduate with the hope of entering the work force or college. It is widely accepted that these students dont only compete against each other, but in fact compete in a global market. China is often quoted as the next world super power, producing savy, english speaking graduates ready for jobs we have not even named yet. However statics released by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xinhua, indicates one in three new Chinese college graduates are unable to find a job.
Xinhua said about two millions graduates or 32 per cent of the total of 6.11 million, were without work. The figure is the highest since the ministry started collecting data in 1996. The Chinese Government blames the ‘Credit Crunch’ however analysts also point the finger at a massive expansion of college enrollment in recent years: China enrolled 6 million new college students in 2008, up from 1.08 million in 1998. They also cite the education systems failure to produce graduates with the qualifications and skills that employers needs as well as unrealistically high job and salary expectations on the part of some college leavers. Either way the tide has turned and millions of Chinese graduates are without work. Having said that most countries are experiencing similar trends just not on such a grand scale. It will be interesting to watch college enrollment numbers and graduate employment rates in Australia over the next few years. I’ll keep you posted.
Written by Mandy Ross.Mandy
