ORIENTATION AND PRACTICAL EXPLORATION OF KEY COMPETENCE TRAINING IN CHINAS HIGHER VOCATIONAL EDUCATION - BASED ON RECENT RESEARCH FINDINGS

Cultivating key competencies among higher vocational students enhances their employment prospects and long-term career competitiveness. As a result, competency training has become central to vocational education, serving as a key measure of training quality. Scholars differ in their classifications of key competencies, but most emphasize curriculum design, teaching methods, assessment strategies, and support systems as critical to competency development. Findings suggest that an integrated approach, combining theory and practice, is essential for strengthening vocational students' competencies. This study provides insights into how key competencies are conceptualized, structured, and cultivated in China's vocational education system, offering guidance for improving teaching practices and institutional support to better meet graduates' professional development needs. The findings highlight the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills in vocational education to enhance students' employability and adaptability. By focusing on comprehensive training strategies, institutions can better prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce. In conclusion, China's vocational education system is playing a crucial role in preparing skilled workforce for the nation's economic development and social progress. The emphasis on competency-based education offers promising avenues for improving student outcomes and aligning educational programs with industry expectations. Key words: key competency, higher vocational students,strategies for improvement