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Two new trades have been designated under Hong Kong's apprenticeship scheme -- audio-visual and radio-frequency mechanic and building services mechanic.

The Government today (June 6) gazetted the Apprenticeship (Designation of Trades) Order 2003 and the Apprenticeship (Periods of Apprenticeship) Notice 2003 to designate the two trades under the Apprenticeship Ordinance (Cap 47) with apprenticeship periods of three years and four years respectively.

Audio-visual and radio-frequency mechanics carry out installations, servicing and repairs of radios, television receivers, consumer audio-video equipment and communal antenna systems. "As their work involves exposure to potential hazards of high voltage and radiation, there is a need to provide proper training for young workers in this trade for industrial and public safety reasons," a spokesman for the Education and Manpower Bureau said.

Building services mechanics carry out general maintenance, repairs and modifications of building services facilities. With the rising need for quality building services, the demand for skilled workers in the trade is increasing. "A building services mechanic has exposure to various hazards inside a building and the workers are required to master a wide range of skills to discharge their duties. Hence there is also a need to provide young workers in this trade with systematic training," the spokesman said.

The designation of these trades under the Apprenticeship Ordinance will help apprentices receive proper theoretical and on-the-job training. Employers will also benefit as the systematic training will help provide a stable supply of competent skilled labour for the industry.

"As the training programmes specifically cater to the needs of the employers and promote industrial safety, the practical skills of the apprentices will be standardised and their productivity and work safety will be enhanced," the spokesman said.

The Order is made by the Chief Executive in accordance with section 45 of the Apprenticeship Ordinance and the Notice is made by the Director of Apprenticeship in accordance with section 46(1)(c) of the Apprenticeship Ordinance. The Order and the Notice will be submitted to the Legislative Council as subsidiary legislation for negative vetting on June 11.

Forty-three trades have been designated under the Apprentice Ordinance. At February 28, 4,001 apprentices were registered under the apprenticeship scheme -- 3,003 craft apprentices, 986 technician apprentices and 12 trainees.

End/Friday, June 6, 2003

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