- The Luban Workshop in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, jointly established by China and Tajik Technical University, is Central Asia’s first vocational education center of its kind.
- Since its 2022 launch, the workshop has trained over 1,500 students in engineering, architecture, water supply, and environmental protection, addressing Tajikistan’s skills shortage.
- The workshop fosters China-Tajikistan educational exchange, blending theory and practical training to boost job readiness and promote international collaboration in vocational education.
Students were spotted sharpening their skills in the Luban Workshop in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This workshop, initiated jointly by China's Tianjin Urban Construction Management and Vocation Technology College and Tajik Technical University, officially opened its gates in November 2022 and is the first of its kind in Central Asia. With a coverage area of 1,138 square meters, it has emerged as a symbol of educational collaboration between Tajikistan and China, as well as a focal point for developing technical expertise among the youth of Tajikistan.
The Lu Ban Workshop, named after the ancient Chinese master of woodcraft Lu Ban who was renowned for his proficiency and creativity, is a major highlight of China's global push in vocational education. It seeks to export Chinese competence in vocational education to other nations and establish a win-win model that strengthens local capacities and encourages people-to-people understanding. It is one of China's larger efforts at sharing development experiences and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
Since its establishment, the Luban Workshop in Tajikistan has given education and training to over 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students, contributing significantly to overcoming the skills shortage in Tajikistan. The workshop provides professional courses in engineering, architecture, water supply, and environmental protection, responding to the needs of the country's economic and industrial growth. The curriculum is a combination of theoretical learning and practical training to make the students industry-ready for meeting the requirements of current industries.
Apart from offering quality vocational training, the workshop also enhances cultural and educational exchange between China and Tajikistan. It promotes the acceptance of new technologies and methods among the students while propagating a culture of teamwork and creativity. Several students have commended the workshop for its hi-tech facilities, skilled lecturers, and hands-on learning atmosphere, which have largely enhanced their job opportunities as well as career competence.
Luban Workshop in Dushanbe is a symbol of educational innovation in the region, becoming a model for others in Central Asia and the rest of the world. Its success emphasizes the value of international collaboration in vocational education, promoting the economic growth of Tajikistan and enhancing the connection between China and its partner nations.
