FOR SOME PEOPLE, continuing education in Forms Six and Seven is not an immediate option. Some may need to work to support their families, others may not have the grades, while there are those who don't have the desire or motivation to study further. But this does not mean they are left to face the world alone. The government has funded schemes to provide training that can help students prepare for the job market. Three of the most popular of these schemes are Project Yi Jin, the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and the Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme. Project Yi Jin Project Yi Jin was launched to provide an alternative route and expand the continuing education opportunities for secondary school leavers and adult learners. All Form Five graduates or people aged 21 or above can take part. The programme is organised by 10 tertiary institutions. It offers skills-based subjects for full-time or part-time study. Generally, it takes one year to complete a full-time programme and about two years part time. The programme puts special emphasis on bilingualism, trilingualism, information technology application and practical subjects. Qualifications obtained after successful completion are comparable to five passes (including Chinese and English) in the HKCEE. The qualification is widely recognised. Participants can use it to pursue higher education or to apply for government appointments that require five passes in HKCEE. Youth Pre-employment Training Programme The Youth Pre-employment Training Programme aims to enhance the competitiveness of school leavers aged 15 to 19. It prepares them for entering the job market and helps them draw up career plans. The programme has two elements: modular training, followed by workplace attachment training. The programme lasts six to eight months. Modular training participants can choose from several modules including job search and interpersonal skills training, leadership, discipline and team-building training, computer application training and other job-specific skills training. Case managers, who are registered social workers, provide career counselling and support services to help trainees draw up career plans. Trainees then go into workplace attachment training. Attachment opportunities are offered by the private, public and social service sectors. The training lasts for a month, during which trainees can gain work experience and develop their potential. Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme The Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme was set up to enhance the employability of young people. Anyone aged 15 to 24 seeking employment or job-related programmes can join the scheme. It aims to brighten up employment prospects through on-the-job training. The scheme is divided into three phases. The first is the induction course, which sets a foundation for basic work skills. Topics such as job search and interview, communication and interpersonal skills, work attitude, discipline and team building will be covered. The second phase is case management training. Case managers will provide personalised career counselling and support services to participants. The third phase is on-the-job training. This phase takes six to 12 months. During the training period, participants can enrol in vocational courses on a part-time basis.