Are Training Centres Still a Thing?

Just a few years ago, training centres were a booming part of China's private education industry. These centres provided foreign teachers with flexible hours, competitive pay, and a steady stream of students outside the public school system. In 2021, sweeping education reforms under China’s "Double Reduction" policy changed everything.

The reforms aimed to reduce student stress and the financial burden on families by limiting after-school tutoring, especially in core academic subjects like English, Maths, and Chinese. As a result, many private training centres either shut down entirely or pivoted their business models dramatically. For a while, it seemed like the golden era of training centres was officially over.

So, where do things stand now in 2025? Are training centres still a thing?

The Short Answer: Kind of - but not like before

While the traditional for-profit model of English training centres has largely disappeared, some still exist in modified forms. Many have rebranded as extracurricular learning spaces focusing on arts, drama, STEM, or soft skills like public speaking. 

Others have gone underground or moved operations online, although this comes with legal grey areas that teachers should look out for, such as operating without a proper license or not being able to offer the correct visa.

Public and international schools absorbed much of the talent pool that came from the training centre closures. Nowadays, teaching in kindergartens and bilingual schools has also become a more popular route.

If you're a foreign teacher in China it's important to stay informed on the latest educational matters. Before accepting any role, especially in private centres, make sure the employer is licensed and operating legally under the latest regulations.

To Sum It Up:

Training centres in the traditional sense? Mostly gone.
Creative alternatives and rebranded centres? Still around, but not as widespread as before.
The job market? Continuing to shift toward schools, kindergartens, and legal online platforms.

The landscape has changed, and for those adaptable and informed, many opportunities still exist. 

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