ENG-1968 — Page 52

28

EMPLOYMENT

In many Chinese factories run on traditional lines, the recruit- ment of apprentices is haphazard. No minimum qualifications are required, and apprentices are usually engaged through the introduc- tion of relatives or friends. Generally speaking, theoretical instruc- tion is seldom provided and little encouragement is given to apprentices to attend part-time classes in related technical subjects. They are left to pick up their skills by watching and imitating experienced artisans. Thus the skills acquired vary according to the apprentice's intelligence and the artisan's willingness and ability to teach and explain. Among the steps taken during the year to improve apprentice training are the establishment of three pilot apprenticeship schemes in medium sized Chinese engineering firms; the creation of a post for a Senior Training Officer (Apprenticeship) in the Labour Department; the endorsement by the Industrial Training Advisory Committee of recommendations put forward by the Apprenticeship Sub-committee on the contents of new legislation covering apprenticeship schemes and the replacement of the Apprenticeship Sub-committee by a functional committee responsible for investigating, advising, and making recommenda- tions on apprenticeship matters to the advisory committee.

On the recommendation of the Industrial Training Advisory Committee two experts were employed in 1967 to advise and assist Government in all matters relating to vocational and industrial training and in assessing the manpower resources and requirements of industry. The expert on manpower assessment left after seven weeks and the expert on vocational training who was employed initially for one year has agreed to stay in Hong Kong for a further period.

WAGES AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

Most semi-skilled and unskilled workers in the manufacturing industry are on daily rates of pay, although piece-rates are common. Men and women receive the same rates of pay for piece-work but women are generally paid less when engaged on a time basis. Wages may be calculated on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis and are customarily paid weekly or twice monthly.

The range of daily wages for the manufacturing industry at the end of 1968 was $11 to $33 for skilled workers; $6.40 to $24 for