The program did not suggest a fixed length or pay scale for the training, but the circular demanded that local governments and organizations that provide training offer trainees basic living allowances.

The government will build training bases for the program with responsible employers, and employers are encouraged to recruit graduate trainees, the circular said.

China had about 1.5 million unemployed college graduates by the end of 2008, registering an unemployment rate of 12 percent.

Rush on Train

China recorded 192 million railway travelers during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush that started on January 11, up 10.6 percent year on year, a spokesman for the Ministry of Railways said on February 19.