Chongqing - Professor Tan Shihai, a member of the expert panel for the Electrical Installations competition and Dean of the School of Electrical Engineering at Chongqing Electric Power College, views the Belt and Road International Skills Competition as an opportunity to enhance Chongqing’s international exchange and collaboration with elite talents worldwide, as mentioned in a recent interview with Bridging News.

The second Belt and Road International Skills Competition will be held from June 24 to 26, 2024, at the Chongqing International Expo Center. 

Tan further emphasized that this initiative broadens global perspectives and supports the college’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative. It facilitates the dissemination of Chinese vocational education standards and resources on an international scale.

Professor Tan Shihai, a member of the expert panel for the Electrical Installations competition and Dean of the School of Electrical Engineering at Chongqing Electric Power College. (Photo/Chen Yuting)

Electrical Installations is one of the eighteen competition categories. “Despite its relatively late start compared to the coastal regions, Chongqing’s prowess in this field is rapidly growing,” Tan added.

Chongqing Electric Power College is the technical support unit for the electrical installation project at the second Belt and Road International Skills Competition, and it participated in writing technical documents throughout the event.

Tan mentioned that despite Chongqing not having participants in the competition, the document writing process familiarized them with the technical rules, regulations, and standards of WorldSkills electrical installation projects. This experience is valuable for the future development of technical skills in the electrical field in Chongqing.

High precision in electrical engineering craft and technology

“The precision demanded by the craft and technology of electrical engineering is exceptionally high,” stressed Tan.

He highlighted the competition’s stringent judging criteria, stressing the significance of maintaining consistent cable spacing every 10 centimeters for both functionality and aesthetics. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity of ensuring horizontal and vertical alignment in each segment.

When bundling cables, keep the spacing of the cable ties at every 10 centimeters. (Photo/Tan Shihai)

Tan described the need for meticulous precision in installing electrical equipment. For example, horizontal errors in installing conduits, tubing, cable trays, and distribution boxes must not exceed 0.5 degrees.

“Even a minor deviation of 0.5 degrees can result in significant errors over long distances,” Tan added. “It is important to uphold high standards of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in education and training.

The stringent requirement for precision not only poses a technical challenge but also reflects a profound reverence for and dedication to craftsmanship, he said.

Global competitions elevate Chongqing’s electrical installations

Last year, Chongqing Electric Power College collaborated with Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology in Tanzania to establish the Sino-Tanzanian Silk Road Institute of Electric Power. 

This initiative facilitates degree programs, corporate training, and faculty-student exchanges to cultivate high-quality technical talent for Tanzanian and Chinese enterprises in Tanzania. It enhances Sino-Tanzanian vocational cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Additionally, in partnership with Zhenshi Holding Group, one of China’s top 500 enterprises, the college has established an overseas industry-education consortium at the Indonesia Huabao Industrial Park.

By utilizing the international platform for talent development, the college has provided training for high-level technical and skilled personnel to contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative. The first group of 26 graduates has been sent to the Indonesia Huabao Industrial Park.

Tan stated that international competitions have enhanced Chongqing’s electrical installations and laid a foundation for vocational schools, which will bolster international cooperation, support the Belt and Road Initiative, and increase global influence.