Changing color of China's blue-collar workers

However, it might take longer time to change people's perception of education and profession, said Zhou Hong, general director of the School-Enterprise Cooperation Office at the college.

"Most Chinese people still consider being a public servant a much more decent and respectable job than being a blue-collar worker," she said.

"When they start to realize all professions should be equally respected, we will not only see the better development of vocational education, but a more civilized society."

In May, the State Council, China's Cabinet, unveiled the "Made in China 2025" plan, laying out strategies for switching from low-end manufacturing to more value-added production.

As Zhou and the students pointed out, without talent in the industry, it would be castles in the air.

And I think, if it couldn't substantially benefit the workers who contribute to the progress, it would be unsustainable and even not worth pursuing in the first place.

I hope and believe when Yin turns my father's age, he is well respected and paid well as a technician, and the news that made headline two years ago won't be the case anymore – blue-collar workers can choose to emigrate to have a decent life, but they don't have to.