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With the recent improvement in the overall employment situation, the rate of unemployment for youth aged 15 to 19 is decreasing. The unemployment rate of this age group has fallen from an all-time high of 36.1% (26,400 jobless) in the third quarter of this year to 32.5% (22,700 jobless) from August to October 2003. The number of unemployed has dropped by 3,700.

This was stated by the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (December 4) at the Launch Ceremony for Workplace Attachment Training of the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme (YPTP).

"The unemployment rate of youngsters aged between 15 and 19 remains high and therefore, the Government will continue to enhance the employability of youngsters of this age group through the YPTP," he said.

He noted that the capacity of the programme had been increased from 12,000 to 18,000 this year and more courses had been added. The application period had also been extended to ensure that no one would be turned away.

Mr Cheung advised trainees of YPTP that young people should be attentive to their work and provide the best service. They should be brave in seeking assistance from colleagues or superiors when they had difficulties; and should be willing to learn, and be meticulous and conscientious at work.

The YPTP was launched in 1999 to provide pre-employment training, workplace attachment, careers advisory and support services to participants. More than 45,000 trainees have received training in the past four years. Apart from those who decided to pursue further studies, nearly 70% of the remainder had secured employment.

The programme this year began in September. So far, more than 6,000 trainees have completed the mandatory "Job Search and Interpersonal Skills" training. While some trainees will enrol in other YPTP courses, some will start their workplace attachment training.

"Young people are valuable to the community as they will be our future masters. However, their employment opportunities may be affected by the doubt cast by some employers on their work abilities as these employers think that youngsters are inexperienced and immature."

Mr Cheung said that there were fortunately some open-minded employers who had vision, and offered training and job opportunities to young people to develop their potential. Last year, more than 1,000 employers provided over 10,000 training places under the YPTP.

He commended these employers for their dedication to nurturing the new generation by offering training opportunities.

"Their caring heart for our youth, their commitment to Hong Kong and their corporate citizenship had set shining examples for others to follow," he said.

Mr Cheung stressed that the workplace attachment training was an important component of the YPTP, providing practical work experience to trainees and enhancing their interpersonal skills. This would in turn help them find jobs.

Ends/Thursday, December 4, 2003

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