Shanghai has launched a comprehensive training program aimed at professionalizing its domestic service industry, enhancing workers’ skills, and improving employment conditions. The initiative, supported by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and led by Shanghai Open University, seeks to elevate the standards of home care, housekeeping, and childcare, reflecting a broader effort to transform domestic work into a respected profession.

The program, which began its second term on August 8 at the Zhongyuan campus of Shanghai Open University, offers a five-month curriculum to over 50 selected domestic workers. Building on an inaugural cohort from last year, the training covers 13 core modules and introduces new content including smart home management, medical accompaniment, pet care, and family psychological counseling, all tailored to meet evolving market needs.

Since the launch of the initial program, positive outcomes have been reported. Of the 67 graduates last summer, 85 percent received formal recognition from clients and saw salary increases, while 56 percent advanced in their careers. Some participants have also won municipal vocational awards, signifying a growing acknowledgment of the sector’s professionalism. One notable graduate, An Xiaojiao, who recently won first place in home storage and organization at the 2026 Shanghai women’s domestic service vocational skills competition, has seen her salary rise by 10 percent and now works as a trainer and researcher in the field.

This progress aligns with broader municipal policies designed to build a more skilled domestic service workforce. Since October 2025, six Shanghai municipal departments have implemented a three-year action plan to develop employee-based domestic service enterprises. Early efforts have involved 16 pilot companies helping nearly 2,750 workers gain employment, with nearly 98 percent obtaining vocational certification. The domestic service sector reported a 32 percent revenue increase in the first half of 2026 compared to the prior year.

Additionally, domestic workers and infant development guides have been added to the city’s prioritized skilled talent list, with government subsidies for skill upgrades increased by 30 percent. More than 11,700 individuals have acquired vocational certificates as of April 2026. Alongside financial and educational support, Shanghai has constructed dedicated housing for workers and offers free commercial insurance coverage.

Industry representatives emphasize changing perceptions about domestic work. Yu Haiqun, president of the Shanghai Home Service Industry Association, highlighted three main shifts since 2019: broader recognition of the sector’s value, clearer regulatory frameworks, and a younger workforce. Shanghai is also preparing to lead the creation of unified national standards for domestic service professions. Future plans include an occupational access licensing system for home care workers focused on elderly and child care.

The training program actively promotes a holistic approach to domestic service. According to Jia Wei, dean of Shanghai Open University, trainees are taught to understand family dynamics and emotional needs, not just household tasks. This deeper insight transforms domestic workers into family life service specialists capable of offering tailored, professional support. The current class includes younger candidates with higher education levels; nearly 42 percent hold bachelor’s degrees or above, a 14 percent increase from the first term. Trainees undergo rigorous selection processes that include resume screening, psychological assessment, and interviews.

Participants like Zhong Wenfeng, a former children’s art teacher, illustrate the sector’s expanding scope. Zhong applies her artistic background to child companionship roles, integrating creative projects and cognitive development into her domestic work.

Graduates of the program not only gain vocational certificates but also earn academic credits that contribute to undergraduate degrees in domestic service studies—a field exclusive to Shanghai Open University. This credit system facilitates career advancement and entry into a specialized talent pool prioritized by employers.

Officials describe the domestic service industry as a “sunrise industry” integral to improving quality of life. Zhang Jingjing, director of the livelihood service industry development division at the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, underscored its importance as a “heartwarming livelihood cause,” emphasizing the lasting social value of professional domestic work.

For seasoned practitioners like An Xiaojiao, the program has provided new career pathways in training and service innovation. Reflecting on her journey, she stresses the importance of ongoing education in transforming domestic service into a respected, sustainable career that contributes to family well-being and societal respect.