The Youth Pre-employment Training Programme received an overwhelming response from participants, Commissioner for Labour Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said.
Speaking at Sheng Kung Hui Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School's speech day, Mr Cheung said the programme was a 'full-fledged and collective community effort to better equip and prepare school- leavers for the world of work and to enhance their employability and competitiveness'.
'The trainees treasure the opportunity and experience. And they share a sense of achievement,' Mr Cheung said.
'Over 18,000 young people have indicated their interest in the programme, which is about three times our original target,' he said, adding that more than 25,000 training places had been offered.
Mr Cheung said the scheme had received positive feedback from instructors, employers and parents.
The Labour Department has so far secured nearly 3,000 at tachment places from 68 govern ment bureaus and departments, more than 4,000 places from non- government or ganisations, aca demic institutions, schools and social service agencies and a further 5,000 places from private firms.