CHINA’S Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) and another nine government agencies jointly issued a circular Monday on increasing trainee jobs for young people, including college graduates.

This year, the country plans to offer no fewer than 1 million trainee posts to college graduates not employed within two years of leaving education, as well as other young people aged 16 to 24, according to an MHRSS official.

Relevant government departments will encourage employers to provide trainee positions in various fields, such as scientific research, technical skills, management and social services, to meet the diverse needs of young people, the official said.

If a trainee is hired within or after their training period, employers should sign a labor contract with them and cover their social insurance contributions.

For those not hired after their training period, the country will provide demand-based support and recommend vocational training programs to help them find a job or start a business, according to the circular.

It also says that subsidies will be issued to employers that offer relevant trainee positions.

Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Education will hold a special employment promotional campaign from May to August to ensure high-quality and full employment among college graduates this year.

The campaign will focus on five tasks, including creating more jobs, improving employment guidance, and strengthening assistance for key groups, the ministry said .

Universities and colleges are required to continue inviting employers to recruitment activities on campuses, and to encourage graduates to find jobs at grassroots levels.

Before this, about 2.53 million new jobs had been created for fresh graduates via a separate employment promotional campaign launched by the ministry last November, with 2,415 universities and colleges participating.

China will see a record 11.58 million college graduates this year, earlier data shows. (Xinhua)