Cao Jie and Wang Qi, who successively won the title of "Zhongshan Top 10 Craftsmen", never thought such a great change would take place in the way of mentoring inheritance after they have worked in the front-line assembly industry for more than 20 years. 

Both Cao Jie and Wang Qi were from Sotech Smarter Equipment Co Ltd located in Nantou Town. Two "Zhongshan Top 10 Craftsmen" coming out of one enterprise had brought a good reputation to Sotech in terms of assembly technique. A large number of young people are attracted to the company to learn fitting and ink printing skills from the two top craftsmen.

Mobile network and enterprise reform provide a new way for the inheritance of technical skills. WeChat group is one of the most important means. Both Cao Jie and Wang Qi have established several apprentice WeChat groups in their phones, with dozens of front-line workers joining group chat. Usually, they would ask a variety of questions in the groups.

Through joint studying and learning, they have developed an innovative mentoring relationship, with many traditional skills passed down to younger workers, Cao Jie said.

Wang Qi (R) and Cao Jie are exchanging their views during the trial operation of the new equipment. [Photo all by Yu Zhaoyu] 

Wang Qi is checking the current and voltage of the equipment.

Cao Jie is recording the value on the equipment.

Wang Qi (M) is providing instructions to his apprentices.

Cao Jie is teaching an apprentice to install the equipment.

Wang Qi is examining the equipment installation.

Cao Jie often is checking the installation step by step against the drawing.

Cao Jie is doing finish machining for a component of the equipment.