Otis launches partnership to train elevator technicians in China

Otis and the China Development Research Foundation (CDRF) announced a collaboration at the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 23 to train China's next generation of elevator service professionals.

Sally Loh, president of Otis Greater China (first from left), Judy Marks, Otis chair, CEO and president (second from left), Zhang Liang, party secretary and secretary general of CDRF (third from left), and Qiao Zhenyang, deputy secretary general of CDRF (fourth from left), attend the signing ceremony for the Otis–CDRF vocational training partnership during the China Development Forum in Beijing, March 23, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Otis]

As China's urban infrastructure ages alongside its population, elevator maintenance and modernization have become increasingly important for public safety and quality of life. This shift is driving increased demand for highly skilled professionals and underscoring the need for advanced technical training.

The partnership between Otis, the world's largest elevator and escalator company, and the CDRF, a leading think tank and philanthropic organization, will integrate the decade-long Otis Technical Academy initiative into CDRF's "For the Future" vocational education program to cultivate skilled elevator technicians across China.

Otis has partnered with nine technical colleges through its Technical Academy since 2016. Beginning this year, the program will launch in south China, with plans to expand to other regions, ultimately benefiting more than 800 students annually.

The program combines classroom instructions, technical training and real-world internships to prepare qualified elevator service technicians.

"The continued safety and reliability of China's vertical transportation network depend on modern technology and highly skilled professionals who maintain and modernize equipment," said Judy Marks, chair, CEO and president of Otis. 

"Our new collaboration with the China Development Research Foundation represents the next step in a journey we began a decade ago with our Otis Technical Academy," she said. "By working with technical colleges and the foundation, we are helping to build and grow the skilled talent pool needed to support a safe, modernized China."

CDRF will oversee program operations, ensuring that training meets standards set by the company. Otis will provide funding, equipment, training materials and specialized expertise to ensure students gain hands-on experience with the latest digital and connected systems.

"We are pleased to partner with Otis to enhance vocational training in this critical sector," said Zhang Liang, secretary general of CDRF. "Our shared goal is to improve students’ lives while equipping them with the technical and work-ready skills to meet the changing needs of our economy."

Since its launch in 2016, more than 4,500 elevator specialists have graduated from the Otis Technical Academy, including about 700 students in 2025. Upon graduation, eligible students can apply for field service positions at Otis, creating a direct pathway from classroom to career. Thousands of academy graduates now work at Otis China.

Otis moves 2.5 billion people a day and maintains approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide.

Speaking at the China Development Forum on March 23, Marks said building an intelligent future will require workforce reskilling, stronger data security and new technologies.

"Progress will depend on sustained investment in 6G and industrial internet infrastructure, closer collaboration between industries and universities to develop talent, and a secure, open ecosystem for ongoing innovation," she said.