SLW: Youth Employment and Training Programme provides launching pad for career take-off (with photos)
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Speaking at the Award Ceremony of Most Improved Trainees of YETP 2016 today (August 21), Mr Cheung said that the Government attached great importance to youth employment and the need to provide appropriate support. Over the years, the LD has been providing tailor-made and comprehensive training and employment support services under the YETP for young school leavers aged 15 to 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below. More than 210 000 young people have benefited from the YETP, with the successful placement rate exceeding 70 per cent, he noted.
"YETP provides a comprehensive job-seeking platform to help the youngsters fly. To keep pace with the times, the programme content has been constantly updated by exploring new training and employment opportunities for the youth in accordance with their interest and changing market demand," said Mr Cheung.
New employment activities launched this year included the "Aviation Recruitment Series" which provided on-the-job training and employment opportunities for youngsters aspiring to join the aviation industry as cabin crew, aircraft maintenance craftsmen or passenger services agents; the "Junior Tradesman Associate Training Project" which is a brand- new project jointly organised by YETP and MTR Corporation Limited; and the “Horticulture and Arboriculture Trainee Training Project” for an emerging industry. YETP also for the first time joined hands with the Hospital Authority to launch a "Patient Care Assistant" Training Project. The project will provide comprehensive pre-employment and on-the-job training opportunities to young people who lack relevant work experience and educational qualifications but would like to build their career in medical care services.
Meanwhile, the popular "e-Learning Support Scheme" was re-launched this year to provide job opportunities in schools. In addition, the "Ethnic Minority Ambassador Programme" will continue to facilitate the ethnic minorities seeking to enter the job market.
Mr Cheung pointed out that, as at July this year, YETP has secured more than 10 000 on-the-job training vacancies covering various industries in this programme year of 2015/16. He expressed sincere gratitude to all the partners supporting the programme, including employers, training institutions and case managers who provide assistance to individual trainees.
Mr Cheung encouraged the youngsters to take a proactive approach to unleash their full potential, enhance their competitiveness and seize every opportunity to achieve their career goal. He also called on employers to continue with their support for the YETP and join hands with the Government in promoting youth development.
The Award Ceremony of Most Improved Trainees of YETP cum concert, held during the "Solar Project 2016 – Dream Journey with YETP" programme, was co-organised by LD and Radio 2 of Radio Television Hong Kong. The awards were presented to 10 outstanding trainees who achieved significant improvements in personal development, leadership or work performance during the training period. The aim is to encourage more youngsters to join YETP to equip themselves in pursuing their career goals.
The YETP is open to young school leavers aged 15 to 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below and is free of charge. Trainees undergoing pre-employment training and who have successfully completed the workplace attachment training are eligible for a training allowance. Employers providing on-the-job training opportunities are entitled to a maximum training allowance of $3,000 per trainee per month as well. Enrolment is on a year-round basis. For details, please visit the website of the Youth Employment Services of the LD at www.yes.labour.gov.hk. The LD has also set up a Youth Employment Services hotline 2112 9932 to provide a one-stop enquiry service on the programme and to receive training vacancies from employers.
Ends/Sunday, August 21, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:27
Issued at HKT 16:27
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