Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under Qualifications Framework opens for application
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     The Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under the Qualifications Framework (QF) is open for application from practitioners in 17 industries from today (August 1) until August 31.

     A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said, "The Award Scheme aims to encourage outstanding or emerging practitioners to engage in learning activities in different places around the world with a view to broadening their horizons and developing networks with industry partners in and outside Hong Kong.

     "We hope that these awardees will serve as exemplars and role models for their respective industries and help attract the younger generation to pursue careers in these fields and promote the concepts of 'multiple pathways and masters of each trade'."

     The Financial Secretary proposed in this year's Budget to allocate $10 million per year from the 2013-14 financial year onwards to support the Industry Training Advisory Committees (ITACs) set up under the QF to launch new initiatives to further enhance the knowledge and skills of practitioners in the industries and their competitiveness in the labour market. This Award Scheme is one of the new initiatives.

     The spokesman said, "Since the launch of the QF five years ago, 19 industries have set up their ITACs, covering about 46 per cent of the workforce in Hong Kong. Among them, 17 (see attachment) launched the Award Scheme in the current financial year. ITACs have identified a series of learning activities suitable for awarding the participating practitioners in their industries. These activities include international competitions, seminars, sharing sessions and study tours.

     "Applicants should be Hong Kong residents and serving practitioners in the relevant industries. Also, they should have either successfully completed at least one QF-recognised course or obtained at least one Recognition of Prior Learning qualification."

     Each ITAC will select no more than three award winners. Awardees engaging in learning activities in Hong Kong will receive an award of HK$10,000 while awardees engaging in learning activities outside Hong Kong will receive an award of HK$30,000.

     The application form and details of the Award Scheme are available at the dedicated webpage on the QF website (www.hkqf.gov.hk/guie/AwardScheme.asp).

Ends/Thursday, August 1, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:00

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