EMPLOYMENT
obtain a bank loan up to a maximum of $100,000 to start a business, with the Government acting as the loan guarantor.
Another new initiative is the 'Integrated Scheme for Local Domestic Helpers' which provides a one-stop service comprising job placement, referral and follow-up service for employers and graduate retrainees of domestic helper retraining courses, with the objective of tapping the job market for local domestic helpers. The scheme is delivered through a network of 13 Regional Service Centres at strategic locations throughout Hong Kong. In order to enhance the quality of training for local domestic helpers, the ERB set up in October 2002 a Practical Skills Training and Assessment Centre to administer a standard skills assessment for graduate trainees of domestic helper retraining courses. Those trainees who can pass the practical skills assessment test will each be offered a 'competency card'. The ultimate objective of assessment is to benchmark the skills standard of retrainees and in turn enhance public recognition of their work and the confidence of employers.
Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme
To enhance the employability of young people, the Government has allocated $400 million to launch the Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme. The scheme, administered by the Labour Department, aims at providing on-the-job training of six to 12 months' duration for young people aged 15 to 24, with education attainment below degree level. The target is to provide 10 000 training places in two years.
The scheme was opened for application from July 24 to August 13, and about 15 000 young people participated in it. Another 3 000 young people had been advised to join the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme in the first instance. Upon completion of their pre-employment training, they would rejoin the scheme.
Non-governmental organisations have been commissioned to offer induction training and case management service to trainees under the scheme. In total, 43 non- governmental organisations render their professional service through a network of 181 training centres and 611 case managers.
By year-end, 2 308 employers, including 23 government departments, had offered 9 467 training vacancies. In addition, 22 044 referrals for selection interviews had been arranged and 6 085 trainees had secured employment through the assistance of their case managers. The placements are mainly clustered in the education service, and the wholesale and retail and business service industries.
Special projects have been organised under the scheme. Through these projects, the Labour Department can canvass more training vacancies within a short period of time, and standardise the off-the-job training arrangements to meet the needs of participating employers. These special projects include the 'IT Seeds', 'Travel Pioneer', and 'Airport Ambassadors'.
Imported Workers
General Policy on Entry for Employment
The Immigration Department controls the entry of foreigners for employment. Foreigners may work or invest in Hong Kong if they possess a special skill, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong and are employed with a remuneration broadly commensurate with the market level, or if they can make a substantial contribution to the economy.
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