In the bustling workshop of CRRC Qiqihar Co, Ltd in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, the air hums with the symphony of machinery—buzzes, clatters, roars and clangs.

Amidst the scent of machine oil and the dazzling sparks from welding guns, Wang Hai, a senior welding technician and engineer at the company's freight car division, is busy with his work. His hands, calloused and marked by years of welding, tell the story of his dedication to perfecting his craft.

Wang Hai, a senior welding technician and engineer at CRRC Qiqihar Co, Ltd in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, is busy with welding at his workshop. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Wang's career began in 1986 when he joined the company as an apprentice. Initially, many doubted his potential due to his modest educational background. However, Wang was determined to excel.

He spent countless hours practicing welding, often enduring the harsh conditions in the workshop. To fill the gap in his knowledge, Wang made a habit of reading technical books for two hours after work every day, even keeping books under his pillow to ensure he never missed a day of study.

After 38 years of relentless efforts, Wang has become a leading expert in freight car welding, earning the title of CRRC's chief technical expert. His reputation for flawless welds has made him the go-to person for any welding challenges, and his name now synonymous with quality and reliability.

Wang's commitment to excellence is evident in his approach to work. He views welding as an art form, believing that every weld is a signature of the craftsman. This philosophy was put to the test when his company received an order of a mine car from a foreign client.

During the initial inspection by the client's supervisors, white marks were drawn all over the car, indicating areas that were deemed substandard. While some workers felt disheartened, Wang saw it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

He led the team in refining their techniques, ultimately achieving a 100-percent pass rate in the subsequent inspections. This success not only secured more orders from the client but also earned Wang and his team high praise from the foreign product supervisors.

"Many think welding is tough and dirty work, not worth the effort. But in my view, welding is an art, and each weld is creating a piece of craftwork," Wang said.

In 2023, Wang was elected as a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). Recognizing the importance of passing on technical skills, Wang has been a vocal advocate for the training and retention of young skilled workers.

Wang Hai, a senior welding technician and engineer at CRRC Qiqihar Co, Ltd in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, is checking welding. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

At the first session of the 14th NPC in 2023, Wang submitted a suggestion to expedite the cultivation of high-skilled talents, calling for more national support in terms of funding and policy incentives for enterprises to nurture skilled workers.

"Currently, it takes at least 16 years for a technical worker to progress from a junior worker to a senior technician, which is quite a long time," Wang said. He suggested that by removing time-based requirements and focusing on performance in both theoretical and practical examinations, more young people can be encouraged to pursue careers in skilled trades.

"A freight train has over 800 weld seams of varying lengths, which can't be done by just one person. That's why I would like to see more people outperform me at work," he said.

The team that Wang leads has trained over 3,000 welders, all of whom have passed their certification exams. Wang believes that a team of highly skilled workers is essential for producing top-quality products.

Wang Hai, a senior welding technician and engineer at CRRC Qiqihar Co, Ltd in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, instructs his workmates about the welding skills. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

During the second session of the 14th NPC in 2024, Wang proposed enhancing the pay packages of model workers to promote craftsmanship. He emphasized the necessity of cultivating a high-quality industrial workforce capable of tackling key technological challenges and contributing to the nation's manufacturing strength.

Wang's vision aligns with the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which calls for the development of a robust national strategic talent pool, including outstanding engineers, high-caliber craftsmen and high-skilled workers.

Wang Hai, a senior welding technician and engineer at CRRC Qiqihar Co, Ltd in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, poses for a photo at his workshop. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

The blueprint enhances the determination and confidence of industrial workers to contribute to China's manufacturing sector, he said.

Li Qianwen contributed to this story.