Regarding the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)'s arrest operation concerning the suspected forgery of working experience proof to apply for registration as Grade A electrical workers, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (October 23) responded as follows:
 
     The EMSD has attached great importance to the case of suspected forgery of working experience proof to apply for registration as Grade A electrical workers and has been fully co-operating with the ICAC during the investigation. Upon learning of the case, the EMSD immediately launched an investigation in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance. It was found that some registrants obtained their registration through improper means. The EMSD therefore cancelled the registration of the Grade A electrical workers concerned in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance.
 
     The EMSD has been conducting a robust vetting and approval process to every application for registration as electrical workers. In addition to verifying the applicant's qualification certificate and working experience proof to ensure compliance with relevant legal requirements, the EMSD also examines the related certification documents. If there is any suspicion, the EMSD will request the applicant or the issuing organisation or individual to submit additional proof for further examination. Moreover, upon learning of the case, the EMSD immediately strengthened the vetting and approval procedures including dispatching officers to the issuing organisation's office for a certification-of-documents examination in order to ascertain the applicant's working experience.
 
     To register as a Grade A electrical worker, an applicant must possess relevant qualifications and working experience. Regarding qualifications, an applicant generally needs to hold a Certificate of the Electrician or Electrical Fitter Upgrading Course issued by the Vocational Training Council (VTC) or has passed the trade test organised by the VTC, to demonstrate that he/she has achieved the appropriate technical level. With respect to working experience, applicants generally need to have been employed as an electrical worker for at least five years, including a minimum of one year of practical experience in electrical work.

Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Issued at HKT 11:52

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