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Applications for the 2001/02 Youth Pre-employment Training Programme (YPTP) will be accepted from August 19 to 29. Improvements will be made in this year's career counselling and support services to enable trainees to have a more concrete career plan.

Introducing details of the third YPTP at a press conference today (August 14), the Commissioner for Labour, Mrs Pamela Tan Kam Mi-wah, said that 12,000 training places would be available.

With "Groom Our Youths for Our Future" as slogan this year, the YPTP aimed at enhancing the employability of young school leavers aged between 15 and 19 through four training modules before they could be integrated into the working society.

The four training modules are (A) leadership, self- discipline and team building; (B) job search and interpersonal skills; (C) computer application; and (D) job-specific skills.

Module B is compulsory. Case managers would first stream trainees according to their educational background to cater for individual needs.

Upon completion of this job search and interpersonal skills training, case managers would then assess trainees in accordance with their interest, ability and work motivation to group them, i.e. those pursuing further studies or other modular training courses, or engaging in jobs.

"Case managers have to help trainees map out career plans for trainees to follow and choose suitable training modules and workplace attachments."

"Post-employment support services will be provided by the case managers to assist trainees to adapt to their jobs. This will increase their chances of staying longer in the same job."

"These counselling services will be tailor-made for individual trainee and will be monitored by the counsellor's supervisor. The department will also conduct regular visits to ensure quality," Mrs Tan said.

She pointed out that all job-specific skills training courses under module D would have vocational language training, like English, Japanese or Putonghua to meet different occupational requirements. This would give more comprehensive training to trainees to meet market needs.

In addition, some training courses leading to professional qualifications will be introduced to further enhance trainees' employability and prepare them for further studies in, for example, typing, Chinese word processing, English and information technology skills assessment.

Special counters at Job Centres of the department have been set up to offer priority employment services for trainees. The department will also encourage training bodies to render employment or referral services to trainees.

"We will enhance communication between training bodies and employers. Training bodies are encouraged to tailor-make courses in consultation with employers so as to better equip trainees."

"In order to enhance employers' understanding and confidence, we will introduce the programme to more than 100,000 employers through the department's newsletter, 'Labour Focus'. Furthermore, letters were sent to 3,200 major employers in July to solicit support and build up the credentials of the YPTP," Mrs Tan said.

At the same time, the YPTP will provide opportunities for further studies. A memorandum of undertaking was signed between the department and six training bodies and professional examination bodies to help trainees pursue life-long learning and acquire professional qualifications.

The assistance includes offering special rate on course fees, recognising qualifications of YPTP trainees, helping trainees to take part in courses and examinations leading to elementary professional qualifications.

"The greatest value of YPTP lies not in finding jobs for trainees, but in nurturing a positive working attitude in trainees, making them understand the way to get along with others and recognise the importance of life-long learning and self development."

"These will help enhance their employability and benefit them throughout their careers," Mrs Tan said.

"It needs the concerted effort of the Government and the community to address youth unemployment problems. We urge employers to give equal employment opportunities to our youths and consider their needs indiscriminately; so that they can demonstrate their capabilities," she said.

The YPTP had trained some 23,000 young people since its introduction. According to a questionnaire survey conducted by the department in March to May this year, all training bodies endorsed the programme and agreed that it would help enhancing the employability of trainees.

More than 96 per cent of the organisations that offered workplace attachment opportunities considered the programme successful; and could provide valuable self development opportunities for young school leavers.

In addition, more than 94 per cent of the trainees would recommend the programme to their relatives and friends. These indicated the wide acceptance of the YPTP by various partners and trainees.

Application forms can be obtained from the Careers Information Centres and Job Centres of the Labour Department; Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department; District Offices of the Social Welfare Department; and other designated training bodies or downloaded from the YPTP's website (http://www.yptp.com.hk).

On-line registrations are applicable to applicants aged 18 or above. For enquiries, please call 2835 2188.

End/Tuesday, August 14, 2001

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