Cai Chunbo, a student from Baotou Machinery Industry Vocational School, scooped second prize at the 2019 National Vocational Students Skills Competition -- also known as China Skills -- on May 9, according to a report in the Baotou Evening News.

Organizers said that Cai took second place for his skills in the welding techniques competition, which lasted three hours and which was divided into two modules: carbon steel assembly welding and stainless-steel argon arc welding.

The key aspect of the welding of carbon steel assemblies is the difference in the welding height. After welding and grinding, the difference between the highest and lowest points of the weld should be less than 0.1 millimeters.

Stainless steel argon arc welding requires precise control of argon arc gas flame temperatures, at 100 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is low, then the electrode cannot be melted. When the temperature is high, the stainless steel parts are discolored.

China Skills is a national vocational college student skills contest initiated by the Ministry of Education.

The competition aims to deepen reforms on vocational education, promoting the  integration of production and education, school-enterprise cooperation, promoting the combination of talent cultivation and industrial development, and expanding the international exchanges for vocational education.

Organizers said the contest has become a broad stage for teachers and students to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams.

They added that it has also become an important starting point for promoting the reform and development of vocational education in the country.

Cai Chunbo (right) poses for a photo with his instructor in front of a poster board for the 2019 National Vocational Students Skills Competition, on May 9. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]