Core Insights - The rapid growth of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is accompanied by a significant talent shortage, which is becoming a critical bottleneck for high-quality development [1][7] - By 2024, the number of NEVs in China is expected to reach 31.4 million, a more than fivefold increase from 4.92 million at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan [1] - The talent gap in the NEV sector is projected to reach 1.03 million by 2025, with a total demand for 1.2 million skilled professionals [1][2] Talent Demand and Structure - The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation that requires interdisciplinary talent, as traditional automotive skills are no longer sufficient [2][3] - The demand for skilled workers is shifting towards roles that require knowledge in both automotive engineering and advanced technologies like AI and big data [2][3] - The skills gap is particularly evident in the "new four modernizations" (electrification, intelligence, connectivity, and sharing), with specific shortages in areas such as solid-state battery assembly and digital twin technology [3][4] Skills and Training Gaps - There are four major skill gaps identified: skill gap, distribution gap, demand gap, and structural gap [6][7] - Approximately 65% of issues in NEVs are related to electronic control, yet only 12% of the 4 million automotive repair workers have received relevant training [6] - The distribution of skilled talent is uneven, with 70% of NEV production capacity concentrated in the eastern region, leaving the central and western regions underserved [6][7] Industry Response and Solutions - The industry is exploring solutions through global talent acquisition, systematic training, and deep collaboration between academia and enterprises [8][9] - Initiatives include creating platforms for talent development, enhancing policy guidance, and improving the integration of vocational education with industry needs [8][9] - Companies like Geely and Changan are adopting unique strategies to build sustainable talent ecosystems, focusing on both attracting and nurturing talent [9][10]