LCQ15: Hong Kong International Aviation Academy
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Question:
The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA), established and managed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), rolled out its first batch of aviation-related programmes in April this year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council if it knows:
(1) the following information in respect of each programme that has been rolled out and that will be offered within the next six months by HKIAA: (i) title, (ii) subject area (e.g. management, security, ground handling service and aircraft maintenance), (iii) level of study, (iv) mode of study, and (v) fees; in respect of each class of the programmes which have been rolled out, the number of places, the number of students admitted so far and the commencement date;
(2) the details of the publicity work conducted by AA and relevant organizations respectively since the establishment of HKIAA for promoting HKIAA and its programmes;
(3) whether HKIAA will consider making reference to the Apprenticeship Ordinance (Cap. 47) and, in collaboration with relevant employers, launching apprenticeship training schemes so as to provide systematic on-the-job training with salary for young people aspiring to join the aviation industry; if so, of the details (including the subject areas of the programmes); if not, the reasons for that; and
(4) whether AA has formulated dedicated schemes/measures to nurture talents for different trades (particularly those involving skilled jobs and manual work/low-skilled jobs) through HKIAA so as to meet the additional manpower demand of the aviation industry upon completion of the expansion of the Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-runway System; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) was established by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) last year. The vision of establishing HKIAA is to nurture local and regional air transport management talents and further strengthen Hong Kong's leading position as a regional and international aviation hub. It also aims to support the long-term development of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and sustainable growth of the aviation industry. My reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Luk Chung-hung is as follows:
(1) The first batch of courses of HKIAA was rolled out in April 2017. HKIAA offers courses with a wide range of aviation-related curriculum in two main categories, namely Beginners Programmes and Professional Programmes. Targeting young people aged 16 or above, curricula of Beginners Programmes include introduction to the HKIA and fundamental English courses for airport service providers, etc. which cater for the needs of those who are keen to and have newly joined the aviation industry. Professional Programmes are designed for in-service practitioners and include professional courses covering airport management, security and aviation services, seminars as well as more advanced academic courses, etc. As of June 2017, the number of students enrolled exceeded 600, and it is envisaged that the total intake for this academic year will reach around 3 000.
To arouse young people's interest in the aviation industry, the HKIAA will launch aviation summer day camps and the Certificate in Airport Services and Operations programme (with a 12-month internship) in July and August this year. The HKIAA will also collaborate with the Civil Aviation Department to launch the Introduction to Air Traffic Control Service and Introduction to Aeronautical Information Management courses, etc.
The HKIAA's list of programmes for 2017 is at Annex.
(2) Since its establishment, the AA has been actively promoting the courses launched by HKIAA to the public and within the aviation industry through various channels, including the HKIAA's official website, leaflets and posters, social media platforms and online advertisement, etc. The HKIAA also holds briefing sessions and seminars together with educational bodies and non-government organisations (NGOs) with a view to attracting more young people to join the programmes provided by the HKIAA.
Details on the HKIAA and its courses are available at the following website:
www.hkinternationalaviationacademy.com
(3) and (4) While there is currently no apprenticeship training scheme offered by the HKIAA, to encourage more young people to join the aviation industry and provide systematic vocational training, the HKIAA and the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) will jointly launch the Certificate in Airport Services and Operations programme. Designed for secondary school graduates, this programme will not only offer students with a four-week fundamental course, students will also have an opportunity to join a 12-month internship in the aviation industry. The expected intake for the programme is around 80 students. At present, 15 business partners of the aviation community have joined the internship programme providing students with on-the-job training during the internship period. Such experience can better equip students with industry-related knowledge and skills so as to help them continue their pursuits in the aviation industry.
Furthermore, the HKIAA continues to actively explore with trade unions, educational bodies, business partners and NGOs cooperation opportunities to develop programmes in various disciplines in the aviation industry and provide internship based on the job type and practitioners' needs with a view to complementing the sustainable development of the airport and aviation industry, particularly the short, medium and long term needs after the commissioning of the Three-runway System.
Ends/Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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