Technological acceleration, increased global engagement, and national aspirations to restructure its economy and promote innovation have persuaded China to intensify an emphasis on skills acquisition through technical-vocational education and training (TVET). After a background of China's experience, this paper examines the case of Gansu, the poorest province, and how the German Two Track TVET model can help address six of Gansu key difficulties, including cooperation with enterprises, internships, graduate employment, teacher upgrading, quality standards, and poverty alleviation. Among the lessons for Gansu are incentives for enterprises, systematic selection and contract protection for internships, employment stability and professional development, examination boards and skill certification of graduates, and information systems with guidance for underserved groups.