The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (January 13) presented certificates to students of the Shine Skills Centre of the Vocational Training Council who participated in a government internship scheme. Mr Law commended their performance and efforts during the internship, and encouraged them to continue to equip themselves for meeting challenges ahead.

     At a tea gathering today with students of the Shine Skills Centre who have completed the internship, Mr Law said the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has doubled the number of internship places for students with disabilities from an average of 50 a year to 100 since 2018 to provide opportunities for more young persons with disabilities to gain work experience in the Government, thereby strengthening their competitiveness before entering the workforce.

     Mr Law said that the student interns were given opportunities to take up diversified jobs having regard to their aptitude and interests, including graphic design, editing and processing databases, providing support for a sports ground and event co-ordination and support.

     A total of 35 students, who were assigned to 20 government bureaux and departments for internship in late 2019, received certificates today. 

     Two interns, Mr Hugo Choi and Mr Elvis Wong, were tasked to undertake clerical duties in the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) respectively.

     Mr Choi said the internship scheme not only provided him with valuable learning opportunities, but also allowed him to learn to communicate and get along with others, which helped boost his confidence. Expressing his gratitude to his colleagues for their guidance and support, he said the internship was truly enjoyable and practical.

     Mr Wong said the scheme, apart from providing him with an opportunity to acquire work skills, also brought him an unexpected experience. He pointed out that he was impressed by the recycling facilities in the EPD offices and the colleagues' commitment to separating waste, adding that his awareness of environmental protection was also raised.

     The performance of the student interns has been highly praised by colleagues of participating departments. Mentors also expressed appreciation for their efforts in gaining new knowledge and skills in their daily work.

     The CSB launched the internship scheme for students with disabilities in 2016 to enable them to gain work experience, and to give civil service colleagues more opportunities to better appreciate the talents and potential of persons with disabilities.

Ends/Monday, January 13, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:36

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