Abstract

Background and purpose: According to the 54th Statistical Report on China’s Internet Background and purpose: As of June 2024, China has nearly 1.1 billion netizens with a 78% penetration rate. Search engines, with 824 million users, are a crucial information - seeking channel, and Baidu leads the market. Materials and methods: This study used the Baidu Index database to analyze public attention to “vocational education” from 2014 - 2024. It explored trend research, demand graphs, and user portraits, and also compared with related terms like “vocational training”. Results: The search trend for “vocational education” showed an upward trend with five fluctuations. The public’s top concerns were “Craftsman spirit” and “Engineer”. High-attention groups were mainly in East China, with similar male - female attention and an age focus on 20 - 39 years old. The search trends of “vocational education” and “vocational training” were alike, and their attention groups were both mainly in East China. Conclusion: Baidu Index is a vital tool for tracking keyword search trends. The rising public attention to vocational education is due to national policies. The public shows more interest in related terms like “vocational secondary education” and “vocational training”.

Keywords: RVocational Education, Search Engine, Baidu index, Vocational Secondary Education, Vocational Education and Training