To gain a deeper understanding of the talent needs in the high-temperature materials industry and to secure more and better internship and employment opportunities for graduates of the school’s refractory materials program, from December 3 to 6, President Xu Hongbo of Zhengzhou Urban Vocational College and Professor Ye Guotian from the Refractory Materials College led a delegation to the High-Temperature New Materials Industrial Park in Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province. There, they visited companies including Jiangsu JinNai New Materials Co., Ltd., Jiangsu ShengNai New Materials Co., Ltd., and Taizhou Wangxin New Materials Co., Ltd. They warmly greeted the students who were undergoing internships at these companies and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as deepening university-enterprise cooperation and enhancing the quality of talent development.

　　 Visiting Enterprises in the Park and Discussing Industry-Education Integration Together

　　The Taizhou High-Temperature New Materials Industrial Park, located in Jiangduo Town, Jiangyan District, has, since its inception in 2015, developed over nearly a decade into an industrial zone attracting 42 high-end refractory material enterprises. By 2025, the park’s output value from high-temperature new materials enterprises is expected to surpass 3 billion yuan. To continuously enhance the industry’s competitiveness, the park has established an “Industry Living Room” that integrates an industrial alliance, public testing services, and R&D capabilities. Additionally, the park has partnered with universities such as Wuhan University of Science and Technology and Zhengzhou City Vocational College to set up research institutes and testing centers, injecting strong momentum into industrial innovation.

　　 Immerse yourself in the frontline of internships and convey the warmth of the school.

　　Starting this July, students from the 2023 class of the Refractory Materials major at Zhengzhou Urban Vocational College have entered internships at companies such as Shengnai through a mutual-selection process. Xu Hongbo’s visit aims to “treat enterprises as classrooms,” directly addressing enterprises’ feedback on the school’s teaching and learning processes as well as their talent requirements. He also seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the students’ experiences—covering their studies, work, daily life, and application of knowledge during the internship—and to extend the school’s care and encouragement to them.

　　Through discussions and exchanges, as well as on-site visits to students’ internship sites and laboratories, the company expressed high appreciation for the students’ growth. In July of this year, immediately after the school’s refractory materials majors joined the company, the enterprise developed a meticulously planned training program, conducting a month-long intensive training session personally taught by the general manager. The general manager also served as the students’ “psychological and life counselor,” providing them with comprehensive guidance. After the training concluded, the company assigned each student to a specific position based on their expertise and arranged rotational internships, continuously monitoring their work and personal lives to foster a sense of belonging akin to being part of a family. Currently, all students interning in this park have been converted to regular positions ahead of schedule and are enjoying the benefits and treatment afforded to full-time employees.

　　 Focus on the fundamental goal of fostering people and strengthen competency-based education.

　　During the symposium, enterprise leaders expressed high appreciation for the students of Zhengzhou City Vocational College’s knowledge, skills, and daily performance. At the same time, they pointed out that today’s young people still need to strengthen their learning in areas such as sense of responsibility and communication skills. Xu Hongbo deeply agreed with this view. He emphasized: “The fundamental purpose of education lies in cultivating virtue and nurturing well-rounded individuals. When students leave campus, they not only represent themselves but also embody the image of their school. We must place ‘moral education’ at the forefront and integrate it into the overall planning of talent development.”

　　In response to practical issues raised by enterprises, such as the difficulty in retaining talent, Xu Hongbo actively stated: The university will explore models such as targeted recruitment from local students in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, and order-based training programs, enabling more outstanding graduates to feel secure and stay on board after graduation. At the same time, the university and enterprises will join forces to jointly provide ideological education and career guidance for both intern students and newly hired employees, helping them achieve well-rounded development and healthy growth.

　　 Set up outstanding role models to illuminate the path of growth.

　　During the exchange, Xu Hongbo specifically highlighted outstanding student representatives such as Jiang Yuxin and Xing Xinwei. Jiang Yuxin, driven by a spirit of refusing to be content with her undergraduate status and determined to prove herself, has demonstrated the potential of a versatile talent in technical sales and interpersonal communication. She is now serving as both a project manager and an assistant to the general manager. Xing Xinwei, with her meticulous attitude and solid skills, has distinguished herself in data organization and laboratory management and is highly regarded by the company: “She is poised to take on the role of laboratory director in the future.” Their growth stories vividly illustrate the possibility of achieving success through skill development and making one’s life truly remarkable, and they have also helped establish a strong brand image for the school’s refractory materials program.

　　The company expressed its anticipation of forging closer and broader cooperation with Zhengzhou City Vocational College, and welcomed more students to come and undertake internships and find employment at the company. Principal Xu Hongbo, in turn, encouraged the students: “Cherish your internship opportunities, hone your skills and enhance your overall competence through practical experience, and strive to become high-quality professionals who are technically proficient, adept at communication, and capable of taking responsibility—contributing your youthful energy to the development of the industry.”

　　This visit not only deepened mutual understanding between the school and enterprises but also injected new momentum into collaborative education between schools and businesses. Zhengzhou City Vocational College will continue to be demand-oriented, optimize its talent-development model, support students’ growth, serve industrial upgrading, and write a new chapter in the integration of industry and education.