We also propose whoever is appointed should concurrently be appointed as “Commissioner for Manpower Development” to coordinate cross-bureau or cross-departmental manpower development initiatives.

Foremost among the task force recommendations is that vocational education and training in Hong Kong be rebranded as vocational and professional education and training, covering programmes up to degree level with a high percentage of curriculum consisting of specialised content in vocational skills or professional knowledge. In other words, students pursuing such training are not inferior to those following the traditional academic route. They may have the ability to pursue traditional academic education but they have chosen vocational and professional training because of personal interests.

The government, as recommended by the task force, should embark on an extensive and long-term programme to promote this route and to emphasise that those graduates with lower qualifications can articulate to higher education under a multiple entry and exit system underpinned by the qualifications framework. Hence it’s not a dead end.

Secondary schools should be encouraged to undertake career and life planning education and enhance individual guidance and support to students to facilitate self-understanding and explore multiple pathways.

Finally, the government should give priority to earmarking a site in the urban district, as stated in the policy address, to develop a Vocational Training Council campus with adequate capacity and state-of-the-art facilities.

Hilton Cheong-Leen, president, Frederick Lynn, chairman, Hong Kong Civic Association