Defending apprentice rights

In this episode of Round Table, Heyang, Steve Hatherly, and Li Yi discuss the realities behind apprenticeships in China, focusing on the blurred lines between genuine training and exploitation. They analyze legal cases where employers misused the apprentice title to avoid labor contracts, highlighting the importance of understanding labor rights for young workers. The discussion covers the legal definitions of employment versus apprenticeship, the prevalence of these issues across various industries, and the need for a modern apprenticeship system that balances efficiency, innovation, and worker protection. They also explore international models, such as those in the United States and Germany, to suggest improvements for China's apprenticeship system, emphasizing collaboration between schools, enterprises, and government support to cultivate skilled talent and safeguard legal rights.