In this paper, we investigate the steps necessary to initiate reform in professional education. First, we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the unified theory and practice model of education currently adopted in mainland China. Next, we suggest a talent cultivation strategy that prioritizes students and views industrial (factory) vocational ability as the guiding measure of the "factory" model in the higher vocational automotive major. Lastly, we propose a method for carrying out this strategy that involves boosting the innovative and entrepreneurial abilities of students, optimizing the goals of educational models, and establishing "on-board educational factories" and other pedagogical models.