MTR embarks on massive recruitment

With six new railway lines expected to be completed by 2016, Hong Kong's sole railway operator has begun a massive recruitment drive. The MTR Corporation was seeking experienced chartered engineers, registered architects and other technical professionals for its new projects, said Yolanda Law Sui-wah, MTR's personnel manager - projects.

'In addition to experienced engineers, we will also recruit graduate engineers to facilitate succession planning and career progression [for other staff] in the long term,' Ms Law said. 'We are aiming to increase the number of project staff by 15 per cent by the end of 2008.'

The company was also looking for civil engineers and electrical and mechanical engineers to work on the new lines from the planning and design stages to construction, said Vincent Luk Kin-ping, general manager - human resources at the MTR.

The company is also hiring personnel for the operation of its new train stations. When construction of the new lines is at its peak in 2012, the number of recruits is likely to be more than 2,000.

'We will give priority to applicants who have worked on the MTR's projects previously,' Ms Law said.

Because of the aggressive recruitment drive, the MTR is able to provide many opportunities for career progression to engineers who worked with the company in the past. 'It also depends on whether applicants have enhanced their professional knowledge and experience,' Mr Luk said.