As an educational model for transmitting skills and knowledge in ancient Chinese society, the traditional apprenticeship system characterized by “sons inheriting fathers’ trades and masters passing knowledge to apprentices” played a significant role in cultivating artisans, perpetuating professional expertise, and carrying forward cultural innovation throughout historical development. The traditional apprenticeship system presented distinct developmental landscapes across different historical periods. After breaking through the constraints of hereditary transmission, it gradually formed a comprehensive and standardized master-apprentice training structure, crystallizing profound intrinsic value consensus: the simultaneous cultivation of professional skills and vocational ethics represented its fundamental value requirement; the establishment of intimate, interactive master-apprentice relationships constituted its core value connotation; and forging a spirit of craftsmanship striving for excellence while producing masterpieces embodied its lofty value pursuit. Through millennia of evolution, the traditional apprenticeship system has been revitalized through modern transformation in the new era of vocational education. By aligning with the contemporary spirit of craftsmanship and leveraging its educational heritage, China continues to explore modern apprenticeship models with distinctive Chinese characteristics. This transformation further refines the vocational pursuit of “integrating Dao (principles) with skills,” constructs a community of shared destiny between masters and apprentices, nurtures master artisans of national caliber, provides foundational support for the high-quality development of a “skills-powered nation” and the cultivation of highly skilled talent, and enhances the effectiveness of constructing a modern Chinese vocational education system through connotative development.