9.106
Three Engineers returned from study leave, one on completion of a one-year M.Sc./D.I.C. Course in Soil Mechanics at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, one on completion of a one-year M.Sc. Course in Transport Planning and Engineering at the University of Leeds and one from attachment to leading Civil Engineering Consultants and Contractors in the United Kingdom. Two Engineers were sent on study leave, one to undertake a one-year M.Sc. Course in Foundation Engineering at Birmingham University and the other on a one-year M.Sc. Course in Transport Planning and Engineering at University of Leeds.
9.107
One Foreman continued his no-pay study leave to undertake a degree course in Civil Engineering at the Sunderland Polytechnic in the U.K.
9.108
Twenty-four Engineering Graduates of the University of Hong Kong, employed under agreement in accordance with the Regulations of the Institution of Civil Engineers, were rotated amongst the various Divisions of the Office for practical training.
9.109
Facilities were also provided to train newly-recruited Foremen in the Works Divisions.
9.110
Members of staff were sent on various local training courses such as the Written Communication Course for P.W.D. Staff, Administrative Development Course, Industrial Safety Course, I.C.L. Computer Financial Modelling Course and I.C.L. Computer Programming Course.
Welfare
9.111
Quarterly meetings of the Joint Staff Discussion Groups between representatives of the management and the staff of the Office at divisional level continued to be held. Problems associated with working conditions, allowances, and welfare of the lower grades were discussed and management policies were explained at these meetings.
9.112
Recreational outings to Ocean Park were organised for staff of the Office and their families. A total of over 600 persons took part.
9.113
The Staff Welfare Officer assisted in applications for loans, legal aid assistance, public assistance and low-cost housing. Fourteen applications for loans from the Staff Relief Fund were processed and loans amounting to $8,200 were approved. During the year, visits were made to staff in hospital or at home on prolonged sick leave.
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