TNAG-0177-FCO40-213-Proposed-Polytechnic-1969 — Page 100

2600224

C.5. 84

RESTRICTED

- 2 -

mean high level manpower force during this period, i.e. (88,000 + 48,000) + 2, there would be a further shortfall of 10,200 over the period 1966-71. The total shortfall to be made up over this five year period would therefore be 50,200. (40,000 + 10,200). Over this same period Hong Kong's output of high level manpower of all kinds is estimated at about 20,000, leaving a net deficit for 1966-71 of 30,200, or about 6,000 per annum. In this connection, it is relevant that the current output of high level manpower comprises mainly teachers, nurses, and university graduates other than engineers and architects. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the bulk of the shortfall is in respect of industry, commerce and related fields such as transport and tourism.

5

This figure of 6,000 per annum gives little more than a notional indication, on certain assumptions, of the overall deficit in high level manpower. It would be considerably greater if, for example, it were decided to aim at filling more than one in every three high level manpower jobs with persons having higher educational qualifications. The figure will certainly increase after 1971 as the total work force expands and as the further diversification and sophistication of Hong Kong's economy gives rise to a demand for more high level manpower.

6

There are plans for increasing the number of engineering graduates from Hong Kong University and also the number of graduates from the Technical College, but these modest increases do not alter the fact that if Hong Kong is to continue to make its way in the world, and so continue raising the standard of living of its people, it must now start making inroads into a shortfall of vocationally oriented high level manpower which probably runs into tens of thousands.

The Nature of the Requirement

7

It can

For the purposes of this memorandum higher vocational education may be defined as training at the post-secondary level designed to fit persons for specific industrial or commercial occupations. cover an extremely wide range of subjects, and the following is a selection of interest to Hong Kong:-

building technology, surveying, civil and

structural engineering

business administration and management

commerce and accountancy

electrical engineering, radio and electronics

heating, ventilation, refrigeration and fan

engineering

horology and instrument technology

hotel and catering management

industrial and commercial design,

journalism

mechanical, production and marine engineering

RESTRICTED