From News Center (Text by Yang Xiao, School of Automotive Engineering; Photo by Pan Hanchang, School of Automotive Engineering)On April 10, the "Covenant of Craftsmen" Quality Enhancement Lecture was successfully held. It was hosted by the Student Affairs Department of the CPC Committee and the Engineering Training Center (School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship), and organized by the School of Automotive Engineering. Li Pingwu, a Level 1 Trial Craftsman of SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. and winner of the 2025 "Pioneer Award for Youth in the New Era", was invited as the guest speaker to share his journey of pursuing dreams through skills from distant countryside.Drawing on his own growth experience, Li Pingwu shared his transformation from a mountain teenager in Yunnan to a champion of international skills competitions. The tough environment of his hometown in his early years cultivated his hardworking and hands-on spirit. After joining SAIC-GM-Wuling, he started as an intern trainee, rooted himself in the trial production center, took the initiative to delve into core technologies such as single-chip microcomputer programming and PCB design, and led the completion of more than 10 innovation projects.“I used to be an ordinary frontline worker, handling screws and wiring harnesses every day. But an ordinary position can also be the starting point for technological breakthroughs,” he said. He encouraged students to stay focused, fasten every screw properly, secure every connector firmly, and strive for perfection — that, he noted, is the essence of craftsmanship.

Li Pingwu also shared his insights on skills competitions. “A competition tests not only your technical abilities, but also your mindset, strategy, and teamwork. We must secure every point we can — every screw must be tightened to the exact torque,” he said. He encouraged students to improve through competitions and grow rapidly in real-world settings. Emphasizing the fast-paced evolution of new energy vehicle technologies, he urged students to build a solid foundation in core theories such as electronic control, batteries, and motors, while making the most of hands-on training opportunities. He advised active participation in skills competitions at all levels. “A weak foundation undermines everything. In this field, it's your ability that counts — not your academic credentials,” he stressed.

His experience proves that frontline workers can also become master craftsmen and stand on international podiums.He encouraged students to align their personal interests with the national new energy vehicle strategy, and turn their skills into effective tools for solving technical pain points in enterprises. He also applied his competition experience to team building, promoting the development of talent echelons in his department."The value of skills lies not only in personal success, but also in driving more people to grow together,” he said.

The lecture was met with an enthusiastic response from students. Many said they were deeply inspired by Li Pingwu's journey from ordinary worker to international champion, and came to understand that “skills change destiny” is no empty slogan.

This "Covenant of Craftsmen" Quality Enhancement Lecture is an important measure for the university to advance the "Three-wide Education" initiative and promote the spirit of craftsmanship. Going forward, the School of Automotive Engineering will continue to invite more model workers and craftsmen to campus, using their stories as role models to guide students in developing a sound outlook on careers, work, and values, to cultivate more high-quality technical and skilled talent for the country — professionals who are ready to work at the grassroots, stay committed, deliver results, and excel in their posts.

The moderator introduces Mr.Li Pingwu

Li Pingwu shares his growth journey

School Website Auditors: Initially reviewed by Huang Biying, followed by a review by Guan Yipeng, and further reviewed by Yao Kunpeng

University Website Auditors: Initially reviewed by Mo Renren, Publicity Department of the CPC LZPU Committee; finally reviewed by Luo Shihua, Publicity Department of the CPC LZPU Committee