TNAG-0534-FCO40-629-UK-aid-to-Hong-Kong-Polytechnic-and-technical-institutions-1975 — Page 121

employment in local commerce, industry and the public service. These

courses have been designed with a view to meeting the changing and growing

needs of the community and primary consideration is given to the employment

prospects of the students in curricula planning. Students are required to

attend a compulsory period of practical training each summer, when they

are attached to firms, companies, sites, factory offices or workshops or

allied organizations where they can gain practical experience in a work

situation. This arrangement enables them to be better prepared for employment

on completion of their studies.

12.

The majority of Polytechnic Diploma and Certificate Holders are able

to find suitable employment in fields appropriate to their education and

training and out of 290 Higher Diploma Holders of 1973, 191 were employed

as assistant engineers, executives, supervisors, professional and management

assistants and trainees in commerce, industry, government and other private

and public establishments. Another 80 continued their studies at the Polytechnic

and other institutions of higher education. Most of the 163 Technician/

Ordinary Diploma holders were employed as staff trainees, supporting staff

in professional practices and technicians.

13. The Higher Diploma Course is comparable to some of the undergraduate

courses available at the Universities in Hong Kong. Furthermore the

Associateship courses leading to the award of Associateship of the Hong Kong Polytechnic AP (HK), are one year courses beyond the Higher Diploma level.

Notwithstanding this comparability with the Universities, the present policy

is to award Diplomas rather than to confering degrees, primarily because it

is considered to be essential that the Polytechnic should be able to provide

a multiplicity of studies and levels of attainment according to community

needs and it has been concluded that the premature adoption of degree awards

at the higher levels might tend to inhibit the development of the institution

towards a properly balance structure which meets the need for diversification

in higher technical education.

/III.

EC ON OMIC