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"Local teachers for primary and secondary schools, as well as native-speaking teachers of English in secondary schools, are required," he said.
The TRIO, which is now in the fourth year of service, is activated for several months each year to provide an information link between schools with teacher vacancies and people seeking teaching appointments.
Last year, the office attracted over 5,200 applications from teacher-applicants. Among them, some 3,000 were degree holders, 1,126 graduates from Hong Kong Institute of Education, and 312 were diploma holders of approved post-secondary colleges. The TRIO was approached by both primary and secondary schools for information on applicants to fill a total of 826 teacher vacancies between May and August last year.
"The mission of the TRIO is not only to recruit a sufficient number of teachers, but also to look for quality people to groom our next generation," Mr Tam said.
"Publicity will be conducted both locally and overseas. Career talks will be arranged for fresh graduates of local tertiary institutes to enhance their understanding of the teaching profession and to encourage them to choose teaching as a career." Mr Tam said that members of the public who wish to join the teaching profession can register with the TRIO simply by completing a registration form.
Their personal particulars will then be stored in a computer data bank. Schools with teacher vacancies may approach the TRIO for a computer printout of the applicants with the required qualifications.
The schools will then approach the suitable candidates direct and arrange for interviews. Whether or not the applicants are selected for interview or subsequently employed will solely be the decision of the schools concerned.
Registration forms are now available at District Offices of the Home Affairs Department, District Offices of the Labour Department and District Education Offices of the Education Department. Applicants from tertiary institutes including the Hong Kong Institute of Education may obtain the forms at their own campuses.
Enquiries may be made on 2892 6305 during office hours or by fax to 2892 6304.
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