ENG-1996 — Page 208

EDUCATION

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while craft level courses are for those who have completed at least Secondary 3. These courses are offered on either a full-time, part-time day release, or part-time evening basis.

In July, 4949 full-time, 1822 mixed full-time, 4 121 part-time day and 7 890 evening students graduated from the technical institutes. In November, the total enrolment in technical institutes was of 10 157 full-time, 3 989 mixed full-time, 11 089 part-time day and 23 602 evening students on some 293 courses.

Industrial Training

Besides offering pre-employment training to new entrants to the labour market, the VTC's 24 training centres also offer upgrading training for in-service personnel at all levels. This includes courses in precision tool and die design, application of CAD/CAM to die manufacture, electronic systems design, and object-oriented technology and open systems in information technology. Some 46 199 full-time and part-time places were available during the year. Trade tests were offered for employees in the automobile, building and civil engineering, electrical, jewellery, machine shop and metal working, plastics and printing industries.

The Construction Industry Training Authority, established in 1975, operates three training centres and a management training and trade testing centre offering a total of 21 167 training places for the 1996/97 training year. Full-time courses are offered to train craftsmen, operatives and supervisors in the construction field; and there are also various continuing education and training courses for in-service construction personnel.

The authority is funded by a levy of 0.25 per cent on the value of all construction works exceeding $1 million. To help improve construction site safety, certification tests for operators of construction plants, temporary suspended working platforms and builders' lifts are conducted. The authority also conducts trade tests for construction workers of 15 principal trades with a view to upgrading the quality of construction works.

The Clothing Industry Training Authority was established in 1975 to provide training for the woven garment, knitwear, fur and footwear industries. It is financed by a levy of 0.03 per cent on the FOB value of clothing and footwear products exported from Hong Kong. In 1995–96 two training centres trained 5 950 people at technician, craftsman and operative levels on full-time and part-time courses.

Management Development

The VTC's Management Development Centre of Hong Kong aims to develop, promote and extend managerial effectiveness in Hong Kong. Major activities include the development and distribution of locally relevant management learning material, the provision of workshops and seminars for managers, and courses for management trainers.

Training in New Technologies

The New Technology Training Scheme administered by the VTC aims to facilitate the adoption of new technologies beneficial to Hong Kong's industry and commerce. Grants are provided to help companies send their employees to acquire skills in new