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The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited Tin Shui Wai this morning (August 9) to see the Vocational Development Programme provided for youths by the Vocational Training Council (VTC).
The Programme offers training for non-engaged youths aged 14 to 24 through a range of skills training courses that suit the youngsters' interests, with an aim to stimulate their interest to learn and equip themselves for the job market or further study.
"The Government is fully committed to promoting youth employment. Apart from subsidising the training institutions to provide training programmes meeting the youngsters' needs, the Labour Department also offers a range of youth training and employment support services," said Mr Cheung.
During the visit accompanied by the Executive Director of the VTC, Dr Carrie Willis, Mr Cheung chatted with class members in the basic hairdressing, professional beauty care and elementary beautician courses. He encouraged the young trainees to make good use of the training opportunities to upgrade themselves and build up their self-confidence.
He learned that three schemes are currently offered under the Vocational Development Programme for youths, namely the Teen's Programme, the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme and the Ethnic Minority Project. Those who meet the age requirements and with an education level of Secondary Five or below may choose suitable courses according to their own aspirations and employment orientation.
The Vocational Development Programme provides a 300-hour training programme, including 120 hours of generic skills training and 180 hours of vocational skills training. Some 1 200 places are provided each year.
The VTC's Tin Shui Wai Campus also offers a variety of catering and hospitality industry training courses for youngsters in the New Territories North. Mr Cheung took the chance to observe the Chinese and Japanese cuisine courses during today's visit.
He pointed out that labour demand in the catering industry was still very keen recently. The Labour Department's Recruitment Centre for the Catering Industry has been constantly offering nearly 10 000 job vacancies in recent months and job fairs are held at the centre on every working day with instant interviews for walk-in job seekers.
Ends/Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:48
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