Global recruiter Manpower is targeting blue- and grey-collar workers in a partnership with China to provide recruitment expertise.

It has opened an international partnership office in Shanghai and launched a series of initiatives to aid recruitment for governmental agencies, state-owned enterprises and foreign companies in the city.

“This is an unprecedented partnership between a governmental institution in China and a global employment services corporation on employment, vocational training and employment services,” said David Arkless, senior vice president of corporate affairs for Manpower Inc.

Initial projects will target future vocational skills and training needs, the installation of internet-based assessment systems in employment offices and the design and provision of training and development schemes.