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Associate degree graduates say budget ignored jobs concerns

A union representing associate degree students is complaining that the budget failed to include them in a proposal to set up an internship programme for university graduates.

More than 20 associate degree students marched to the Legislative Council on Tuesday to protest at what they see as favouritism towards university students.

Li Yiu-kee, secretary general of Hong Kong Federation of Students, said the government should set aside resources to ease pressure on associate degree graduates seeking jobs.

'There are 30,000 associate degree graduates each year in comparison with 14,500 university graduates. Instead of just providing support to degree holders, the government should involve associate degree students in the internship scheme.'

In response to queries on insufficient support for associate degree graduates, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung had earlier recommended that graduates could join the Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme.

Fung Wai-wah, convener of the Alliance in Concern of Sub-degree Education, said associate degree graduates were overqualified for the training scheme.

'Associate degree students have invested much time and money in their studies. Asking them to join a scheme aimed at secondary graduates is tantamount to a denial of their efforts. The government should not equate their qualifications with those of secondary school leavers.'

Mr Fung said the government should widen the pathways for associate degree graduates to continue their studies.

'Only around 2,000 associate degree graduates get the chance to proceed to subsidised Year Two degree studies in publicly-funded universities every year.

'As the government has increased the number of research places for university graduates, they should also increase the number of subsidised degree places for associate graduates.'

Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah earmarked HK$140 million for the internship programme for 4,000 university graduates in the budget in a bid to cut unemployment among graduates amid the sluggish economy. Successful applicants can work as interns in local or mainland enterprises for up to a year.

A spokeswoman for the Labour and Welfare Bureau said the Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme would be made more flexible and responsive in meeting the training and employment needs of associate degree students.

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