ENG-1992 — Page 161

EDUCATION

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Technical Education

Technical education at technician and craft level is provided by the VTC's seven tech- nical institutes. Disciplines cover environmental studies, chemical technology, clothing technology, commercial studies, accountancy, computing studies, construction, design, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, child care, hairdressing, hotel-keeping and tourism studies, marine engineering and fabrication, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, motor vehicle engineering and printing and textiles.

Courses leading to a recognised qualification are offered with several modes of attendance. Courses for craft apprentices, usually Secondary 3 leavers, are offered on a part time day release or block release basis. At technician level, full time, part time day and part time evening courses are offered, mostly for Secondary 5 leavers. Most technician courses are validated by the UK Business and Technology Education Council. Students completing them may register for BTEC awards.

In September 1992, the institutes offered 321 courses taught by 792 full-time teaching staff and about 730 supporting staff. Evening courses were delivered by 1930 part time lecturers. Enrolment in the 1992–3 academic year totalled 9 400 full time, 15 800 part time day and 25 600 part time evening students. In addition, about 9000 serving employees attended 198 short courses to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

In July, 6 000 full time, 5 300 part time day and 9 800 evening students graduated from the institutes. The employment of graduates from full time courses was surveyed during the year. Findings again showed that graduates had little difficulty in finding jobs, and that most found work relevant to the training they had received.

Industrial Training

The VTC's 19 industrial training centres provide basic training or skills upgrading for industrial craftsmen and technicians, and for clerical and supervisory personnel in the service sector. In 1992, over 30 000 trainees attended full time or part time courses. Trade tests for serving employees were offered in six industries, including automobile, building and civil engineering, electrical, machine shop and metal working, plastics and printing. Training boards in conjunction with educational and training institutions organised out-centre training courses to upgrade or update serving employees.

The Engineering Graduate Training Scheme, administered by the VTC, helps engi- neering students and graduates complete the professional training which will gain them recognition by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers or other professional bodies. In 1992, 85 engineering firms took part in the scheme, which provided 280 training places.

The VTC's Management Development Centre conducts research and development projects, and promotes management training. The centre's projects include work with owner-managers and various entrepreneurial firms, development of learning materials, and activities with management trainers and business executives.

Two statutory authorities operate industrial training schemes in two important sectors. The Clothing Industry Training Authority operates two training centres funded by a levy on the export value of clothing and footwear. In 1992, 7 700 trainees attended courses. The three training centres of the Construction Industry Training Authority, funded by a levy on the value of construction works exceeding $1 million, provided courses for 4 000 trainees.