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The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (March 5) visited the Vocational Training Council's (VTC) Skills Centre in Kwun Tong to see at close quarters the vocational training and counselling services for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Accompanied by the VTC's Executive Director, Dr Carrie Willis, Mr Cheung toured various training workshops modelled on the real working environment of different trades, such as catering service, computer and networking practice, massage service, commercial and retailing service and office practice. The workshops, all well-equipped, provide practical vocational training to PWDs to help them prepare for real employment or continuous learning.
Mr Cheung was also briefed on the vocational assessment service and occupational therapy and chatted with the trainees to learn more about their views on the training courses and their expectations for employment.
Mr Cheung said, "The Government strives to provide vocational training and employment support services for PWDs. Our policy objective is to strengthen their abilities, develop their talent and potential, and ensure their equal access to productive and gainful employment in the open market.
"In his latest Budget for 2010-11, the Financial Secretary allocated $16.79 million for the provision of 160 additional places for day training and 100 additional places for vocational rehabilitation services. Coupled with the recurrent funding already earmarked, some 290 places for day training and 420 places for vocational rehabilitation services will be available."
Mr Cheung noted that aside from the VTC's Skills Centre, PWDs can also improve their job skills through the Employees Retraining Board's retraining courses, the Social Welfare Department's vocational rehabilitation services and the Labour Department's selective placement services.
"The Selective Placement Division (SPD) of the Labour Department provides one-stop employment services, including job matching and referral, as well as follow-up service after placement," he added.
In 2009, a total of 3,185 PWDs were registered with the SPD and there were 2,436 successful placements in the year, representing a 76% success rate.
Ends/Friday, March 5, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:00
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