EDUCATION
Full-time courses are offered to train up craftsmen, operatives and supervisors in the construction field; and there are also various continuing education and training courses for in-service construction personnel. The authority is funded by a levy of 0.25 per cent on the value of all construction works exceeding $1 million. To help improve construction site safety, certification tests are conducted for operators of construction plants, temporary suspended working platforms and builders' lifts. The authority also conducts trade tests for construction workers with a view to upgrading the quality of construction works.
The Clothing Industry Training Authority was established in 1975 to provide training for the clothing and footwear industries. It is financed by a levy of 0.03 per cent on the Free on Board value of clothing and footwear produced and exported from Hong Kong. In 1995-96 two training centres trained 5 950 people at technician, craftsman and operative levels on full-time and part-time courses.
Management Development
The VTC's Management Development Centre of Hong Kong aims to develop, promote and extend managerial effectiveness in Hong Kong. Major activities include the development and distribution of locally relevant management learning material, the provision of workshops and seminars for managers, and courses for management trainers.
Training in New Technologies
The New Technology Training Scheme administered by the VTC aims to facilitate the adoption of new technologies beneficial to Hong Kong industry and commerce. Grants are provided to help companies send their employees to acquire skills in new technologies. The training grant can be up to 75 per cent of the training cost. Eligible training programmes consist of local training courses, overseas training courses, work attachments and tailor-made training courses for individual companies. During the year, the VTC received 3 317 applications and approved 2 318.
Apprenticeship Schemes
The Apprenticeship Ordinance promotes and regulates the employment and training of apprentices. Young persons aged between 15 and 18 who work in any of the 42 designated trades and have not already completed an apprenticeship in the trade must enter into a contract of apprenticeship with their employers. Such contracts must be registered with the Director of Apprenticeship who is concurrently the executive director of the VTC. Contracts in other trades may also be registered voluntarily.
Inspectors of Apprentices advise and help employers and apprentices in training and employment matters. They visit workplaces to ensure that training schemes are properly implemented. A free placement service is offered to job-seekers interested in an apprenticeship. During the year, 3 580 contracts were registered (1 021 in non- designated trades), covering 2 809 craft and 771 technician apprentices. At the end of December, 7 938 apprentices were being trained.
Training For People With A Disability
Five skills centres, three run by the VTC and two by voluntary agencies, prepare disabled people for open employment or mainstream technical education and industrial training. They provide 953 full-time places, of which 414 are residential.
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