Training helps youths find jobs
If you are between 15 and 19 years, and more eager to start working than to continue with your studies, then consider a choice offered by the Labour Department.
Launched last year, the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme is an all-in-one package that includes employment-related training, workplace attachment and career guidance.
According to Stanley Ng, head of the Careers and Employment Agencies Division, Labour Department, the programme has been expanded this year to include a greater variety of courses, and a new section: on-the-job training.
'The programme has three main sections and takes about six months. In the first three months, participants are given different kinds of work-related training. This is followed by a workplace attachment for one month, and on-the-job training for three months.'
The first section, modular training, aims at increas ing a person's competitiveness in the job market.
Participants will be trained in skills regarded as important in the workplace. These include confidence, leadership, discipline, team-building and organisational ability.
The programme makes special provision for social skills, an area that tends to be overlooked at school. There are some courses designed to improve the interpersonal, communication and interview skills of the participants.
'It is important to include such courses in the programme as the syllabus in schools seldom covers social skills,' Mr Ng said. 'Some young people aren't even aware that it is basic politeness to greet others in the morning.'
Computer skills, such as word processing and Chinese-data input, will also be taught. Trainees with basic computer knowledge can choose from advanced level courses and professional application software.
Once they have completed the modular training, trainees will be as signed to government departments as well as private and public organisations for work attachments.
Private sector organisations will be given priority, as they are more likely to continue hiring trainees than government bodies, Mr Ng said.
Trainees will receive $1,000 a month during attachment, and they can negotiate salaries with their employers for the on-the- job training period. Employers will receive $2,000 a month for providing the on-the-job training.
Career guidance and counselling will also be provided.
Support services, including career guidance and counselling, will be provided to help trainees map out their career paths.
The programme will be launched in two phases. About 6,000 participants will be accepted for each phase, on a first-come, first-served basis. The first round of enrolment is from September 11 to 18, and the second phase from November 27 to December 5.
A two-day expo about the training programme will be held at Hong Kong Productivity Council, fourth floor, in Kowloon Tong on the 26th Saturday and 27th Sunday of this month.
Course brochures and application forms will be available at the venue.
The event includes seminars and an exhibition highlighting the training courses. Guest speakers will talk about employment opportunities in various industries, job market trends, and entry requirements in popular professional fields.
Application forms are also available at the Labour Department's Careers Information Centre and Job Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department.
For more information, call the hotline 2835-2188
