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The Task Force on Promotion of Vocational Education today (July 6) submitted a report to the Education Bureau setting out strategies and concrete recommendations for promoting vocational education.
The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, thanked the Task Force for its industrious efforts over the past year. He said, "Vocational education plays a pivotal role in integrating education and employment in support of Hong Kong's development. The strategies and recommendations proposed by the Task Force would help raise awareness and recognition of vocational education in the community.
"Vocational education prepares people for future employment by equipping them with professional knowledge, practical skills and appropriate attitudes. Meanwhile, vocational education also plays an indispensable role in nurturing a new generation of talents for the industries and facilitating the long-term development of Hong Kong's economy."
Since its establishment in June 2014, the Task Force has held in-depth discussions in its meetings and conducted a series of public engagement activities to measure stakeholders' perceptions towards vocational education and to identify effective means of promoting vocational education. The activities have included inviting submissions from training providers, a survey, focus group interviews, roundtable discussions and discussion sessions with secondary school principals. In addition, the Task Force has made reference to methods of implementing and promoting vocational education outside Hong Kong.
Taking into account the views of different stakeholders and making reference to experience outside Hong Kong, the Task Force recommends a three-pronged strategy comprising (1) rebranding vocational education and training, (2) strengthening promotion and (3) sustaining efforts, with a total of 27 recommendations. The Task Force considers that the long-term vision is to change the entrenched perception of vocational education as being a second choice.
On rebranding vocational education and training, the Task Force recommends the Government to rebrand "vocational education and training" in Hong Kong as "vocational and professional education and training (VPET)" covering programmes up to degree level with a high percentage of the curriculum consisting of specialised contents in vocational skills or professional knowledge.
On strengthening promotion, the Task Force recommends enhancing it in six areas, namely promotion of the professional image of VPET, provision of more information about VPET and related careers, more contribution from industries, promotion of VPET through career and life planning education, promotion of applied learning and provision of financial support by the Government.
On sustaining efforts, the Task Force recommends the Government to encourage senior government officials to seize every opportunity to promote and support VPET, and the Education Bureau (EDB) to strengthen promotion of the Qualifications Framework. It also recommends carrying out tracking surveys to measure change in the public attitude towards VPET.
Mr Ng added that the Government will duly consider the recommendations as set out in the Task Force report. He said, "Vocational education is a valued study option which could provide flexible and multiple pathways for young people with diverse aspirations and abilities."
The full report and the executive summary have been uploaded to the EDB's website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/other-edu-training/vocational-other-edu-program/promotion-vet.html) for access by the public.
The Government set up the Task Force on Promotion of Vocational Education in June 2014 with a view to mapping out a strategy to promote vocational education and raise public awareness towards vocational education and recognition of its value.
Ends/Monday, July 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:18
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