Flexible and multiple pathways available for secondary school graduates (with photos)
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     The Under Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2016 today (May 14). He encouraged secondary school graduates to consider different pathways in accordance with their interest and ability.

     Mr Yeung said that the Government strives to provide flexible and diversified pathways with multiple entry and exit points to secondary school graduates. Apart from undergraduate programmes, they may consider other options such as sub-degree programmes (including Higher Diploma and Associate Degree programmes) which are independent and valuable qualifications, preparing students for employment in associate professional and management positions at entry level or proceeding to study top-up degree programmes.

     He also encouraged students to consider different levels of programmes under vocational and professional education and training (VPET), noting that VPET is not confined to programmes of the lower levels but covered relevant programmes up to degree level. VPET has been playing a pivotal role in broadening the learning opportunities for secondary school leavers and in-service personnel as well as nurturing the requisite human capital to support Hong Kong's development, he said.

     Mr Yeung remarked that for the 2016/17 academic year, the number of full-time locally accredited post-secondary places to be provided by various institutions was estimated to be about 56 130, including 24 430 undergraduate places and 31 700 sub-degree places. Many institutions also provide Diploma Yi Jin and other education programmes. Hence, there will be sufficient places for eligible students to pursue their studies in Hong Kong, he added.

     The Information Expo is organised by the Education Bureau, with the Federation for Self-financing Tertiary Education, the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters and Hong Kong Education City as supporting organisations. It is being held from 10am to 6pm today and tomorrow (May 14 and 15) at Rotunda 2 of the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre. Admission is free.

     More than 30 exhibition booths are providing information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes, Diploma Yi Jin programme, non-local programmes and articulation pathways outside Hong Kong. Participating institutions and organisations provide programme information and counselling services on the spot. Hok Yau Club, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association also offer career guidance services.

     Information on some useful tools and platforms including the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (iPASS), the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP), e-Navigator, the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education and the Qualifications Framework are provided to assist students in planning their further studies.

     Apart from information booths, there are also talks on multiple pathways for secondary school graduates and preparation and strategies for articulation to post-secondary education, as well as sharing by post-secondary students. Industry and institution representatives will also provide first-hand information about relevant programmes and careers in the industries concerned.

Ends/Saturday, May 14, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:33

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