Labour and Welfare Bureau launches environmental hygiene courses
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    The Labour and Welfare Bureau today (June 17) launched a new series of government-subsidised training courses for the environmental hygiene industry under the Skills Upgrading Scheme.

    Introducing the new courses at a media briefing, the Convenor of the scheme’s Environmental Hygiene Industry Working Group, Ms Catherine Yan, said, “There are around 3,000 local cleaning companies. More than 150,000 environmental hygiene workers have been employed to provide services to all types of properties and facilities in Hong Kong.

    “Many of them are exposed to risks in the course of duties, such as handling of construction waste, animal or poultry remains, chemical or medical waste, and even substances with low radioactivity.

    “Since only a small number of in-service workers have received formal training, there is a genuine need to provide vocational training for environmental hygiene workers so as to enhance the industry’s overall service standard and safeguard public hygiene.

    “The Government has set aside about $2.9 million to subsidise 17 new courses, which will provide more than 5,600 training places in the first batch.”

    Also attending the media briefing, the Convenor of the scheme’s Environmental Hygiene Industry Publicity Sub-group, Dr Mickey Yan, said it was necessary for in-service workers to obtain updated vocational knowledge and skills in order to meet customers’ growing expectations.

    The new courses cover pest control and waste handling techniques, contract management, occupational safety and health and vocational language.

    The courses are now open to applicants. Details can be obtained by calling hotline 2836 1234 or from the scheme’s website (www.lwb.gov.hk/sus).

    The Skills Upgrading Scheme, which was introduced in 2001, now covers a total of 26 industries. It provides professional and specific skills training for in-service workers with an aim to enhance their employability and competitiveness in the labour market as well as promote the culture of continuing education and lifelong learning in the community. So far, the scheme has conducted more than 10,000 classes and offered more than 220,000 training places.

    Also attending the press briefing was the Principal Assistant Secretary (Manpower) for Labour and Welfare, Ms Karyn Chan.

Ends/Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:05

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