Pilot Apprenticeship Programme for Private Wealth Management to expand in 2018-2019 after inaugural success
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     Following the success of the inaugural scheme, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA) today (November 1) announced that the 2018-2019 cycle of the Pilot Apprenticeship Programme for Private Wealth Management (The Pilot Apprenticeship Programme) will be expanded to offer around 50 apprenticeship positions as a result of the overwhelming response to the pilot launch.
      
     The HKMA will host a recruitment day event at its premises on November 4 (Saturday). Eligible students can apply for the 2018-2019 cycle online through the PWMA's website from November 4 to 30.
      
     The Pilot Apprenticeship Programme is co-organised by the HKMA and the PWMA to grow the talent pool and help introduce young talent in Hong Kong to "front-to-back" career opportunities in the private wealth management industry. Earlier this year, the HKMA and the PWMA successfully launched the 2017-2018 cycle by placing a total of 29 university students with 10 participating PWMA member institutions in July and August, exceeding the original target of around 20 students. For the 2018-2019 cycle, around 50 students are expected to be placed with 13 PWMA member institutions starting in the summer of 2018.
      
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Norman Chan, said, "Riding on the successful launch of the inaugural Pilot Private Wealth Management Apprenticeship Programme in April this year, I am pleased that we are now ready to recruit the next batch of around 50 apprentices for a 16-week placement with 13 private banking institutions. There is no better learning experience than having our bright young talents interested in joining the private banking profession actually working in private banks as apprentices. Hong Kong is uniquely well positioned to develop into the private banking hub of Asia and the stakeholders, including the private banking industry, the regulators and the educational institutions must work and collaborate with each other to help grow and nurture our talent pool."
      
     The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the PWMA, Mrs Amy Lo, said, "The PWMA is excited to bolster the 2018-2019 cycle of the Pilot Apprenticeship Programme following the success of the inaugural launch earlier this year. The highly encouraging feedback from the first group of apprentices and participating member institutions has inspired strong confidence to expand the Programme to a total of around 50 apprentice positions confirmed for the next cycle. Thus more students can gain early exposure to a dynamic industry with tremendous growth potential.
      
     "On behalf of the PWMA, we wish to express our thanks to the HKMA for co-organising the Pilot Apprenticeship Programme as a means to attract and nurture young talent for the private wealth management sector. Through the concerted efforts of the industry and stakeholders, we hope to build a sustainable talent pipeline over time and strengthen Hong Kong's position as a private wealth management hub in Asia," Mrs Lo continued.
      
     The Pilot Apprenticeship Programme is the first initiative offering full-time students at institutions funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) a multi-year experience dedicated to training in private wealth management. All full-time students at UGC-funded institutions are eligible to join the programme, although priority will be given to second year students. Successful applicants are offered two rounds of paid summer internships with a host private wealth management institution, leading to a potential job offer with the host firm after graduation. The students work in a range of functions at private wealth management institutions, learning about products and client services, as well as risk management, compliance and internal control issues.
      
     The 2018-2019 cycle will last for eight weeks in 2018 beginning in June, and eight weeks in 2019.
      
     The Pilot Apprenticeship Programme is administered by the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers.

Ends/Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:30

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