Vocational school helps shape destinies (5)

The cooking course is in hot demand at the school. [ZOU HONG/CHINA DAILY]

"This system has resulted in a win-win situation for teachers and students," Li said. As his monthly salary has doubled to more than 14,000 yuan, almost three times that of teachers at public vocational schools, students are guaranteed a good study environment and high-quality classes.

The school has 4,000 engines to be dismantled and reassembled by students majoring in vehicle repairs. It also has a class titled "image design" for all students, in which they can only receive a pass if they have their hair cut every two weeks by those majoring in hairdressing.

Lanxiang has a bidding system to help students find jobs with the best salaries. Three months before they graduate, students' details are posted on the school's website. Companies have to pay 2,000 yuan for each graduate they plan to recruit before they take part in the bidding, said Xu Ruiqing, who works for Lanxiang's careers center.

The initial bidding price is set at between 2,500 and 30,000 yuan. Companies need to add at least 100 yuan each time they bid, Xu said.

Summer in Jinan, where the school is located, is a test for many. Few people venture outdoors during the hottest part of the day, as they become covered in sweat after just a few minutes' walking.