All up 10 Diploma of Leadership Management students travelled to Shanghai for 17 days to learn from prominent businesses such as AustCham Shanghai, Shanghai Disneyland and Legend Sportswear.

As well as the sheer number of people, student Kelly Wixx said the standout for the trip was the relationship between employers and their staff.

“The managers consider their workers like family. Work is such a big thing for the Chinese, it’s such a big part of their life,” Ms Wixx said.

“And just the options that are available in China to start up new new businesses, and the progress in Shanghai at the moment. It’s amazing how quickly things are growing and shifting.”

It made her question what she could improve in her own professional life, she said.

“For them it’s more about building relationships. They want to know you, they want to know everything about you, before they start talking numbers.”

It’s the fourth TAFE Western Outbound Mobility Program held in China in the past four months, following trips for childcare, nursing and hospitality students.

“It was just a great opportunity that TAFE Western provided. I wouldn’t have done something like this if TAFE Western hadn’t offered,” Ms Wixx said.

TAFE Western management teacher Jillian Pennisi said she was honoured to escort a diverse group of students to Shanghai.

Their experiences and open-minded approach to learning enriched the program and ensured it was a very successful trip, she said.