***********************************************************
The Skills Upgrading Scheme has offered more than 240,000 training places since its inception for elementary in-service workers of 26 industries to enhance their skills.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Skills Upgrading Charity Walk today (February 21), the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Paul Tang Kwok-wai, said the Government launched the scheme in 2001 to help in-service workers enhance their employability and competitiveness through structured and appropriate on-job training programmes.
The Government and training bodies work closely with employers and employees of related trades to draw up high-quality and widely recognised courses to help them face the challenges brought about by economic restructuring. The scheme currently covers 26 industries including Chinese catering, building maintenance and decoration, and environmental hygiene.
A recent study by an independent consultant found that a majority of the trainees considered the courses had helped them enhance their vocational skills and employers also gave positive feedback, Mr Tang said.
The scheme has also devised specific indicators, such as whether trainees can put what they have learnt into practice and improvement in trainees' attitudes to work, to assess the effectiveness of the scheme more objectively and precisely.
In line with the development of the Qualifications Framework, the scheme's industry working groups will continue to review and revise the courses as necessary to ensure their recognition under the framework.
Trainees from various industries under the scheme took part in the charity walk today at Sha Tin Park. All proceeds will be donated to the Hong Kong Community Chest to help the needy.
Ends/Saturday, February 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:30
NNNN
