Gao Lei, a 27-year-old welder from China Second Metallurgy Group, has been awarded 2025 China Youth May Fourth Medal - the nation's highest youth honor – marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey from vocational student to chief technician. His story is intertwined with that of Lu Renfeng, a one-handed welding legend who previously crafted armor for China's battle tanks and now mentors young talent. 

Inspired by Lu Renfeng's perseverance, Gao Lei honed his skills through relentless practice, winning regional competitions and contributing to critical projects such as the Chaijiaxia Yellow River Bridge. Today, as Inner Mongolia's youngest "Northern Frontier Craftsman", Gao Lei embodies the spirit of a new era and national pride through vocational excellence. 

Baotou, a cradle of industrial talent, continues this legacy, with another two local experts being named national-level master artisan candidates. The city also legislated support for artisan culture. As Lu Renfeng puts it: "This is the golden age for skilled youth to weld their personal dreams into China's rise."