employment in local commerce, industry and the public service. These
courses have been designed with a view to meeting the changing and growing
needs of the community and primary consideration is given to the employment
prospects of the students in curricula planning. Students are required to
attend a compulsory period of practical training each summer, when they
are attached to firms, companies, sites, factory offices or workshops or
allied organizations where they can gain practical experience in a work
situation. This arrangement enables them to be better prepared for employment
on completion of their studies.
12.
The majority of Polytechnic Diploma and Certificate Holders are able
to find suitable employment in fields appropriate to their education and
training and out of 290 Higher Diploma Holders of 1973, 191 were employed
as assistant engineers, executives, supervisors, professional and management
assistants and trainees in commerce, industry, government and other private
and public establishments. Another 80 continued their studies at the Polytechnic
and other institutions of higher education. Most of the 163 Technician/
Ordinary Diploma holders were employed as staff trainees, supporting staff
in professional practices and technicians.
13. The Higher Diploma Course is comparable to some of the undergraduate
courses available at the Universities in Hong Kong. Furthermore the
Associateship courses leading to the award of Associateship of the Hong Kong Polytechnic AP (HK), are one year courses beyond the Higher Diploma level.
Notwithstanding this comparability with the Universities, the present policy
is to award Diplomas rather than to confering degrees, primarily because it
is considered to be essential that the Polytechnic should be able to provide
a multiplicity of studies and levels of attainment according to community
needs and it has been concluded that the premature adoption of degree awards
at the higher levels might tend to inhibit the development of the institution
towards a properly balance structure which meets the need for diversification
in higher technical education.
/III.
EC ON OMIC