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The completion ceremony of the first cohort of graduates of the Diploma of Foundation Studies programme under the Earn and Learn Pilot Scheme for Retail Industry was held today (14 April). More than 160 students have been equipped with the requisite trade knowledge and skills through structured classroom learning and on-the-job training, and are fully ready to enter the retail industry. Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Godfrey LEUNG, Guest of Honour at the event, said that the Pilot Scheme not only provides new impetus for the retail industry, but also further enhances service levels. “In the long term, enhancing professionalism helps industry rise to cyclical economic challenges, which in turn ensures sustainable development across retail sectors. I encourage industry to continue to train up manpower through such schemes and initiatives to contribute to the healthy development of the industry.” Vocational Training Council (VTC) Chairman Dr Clement CHEN said retail industry demand for trained manpower is still substantial. “With the support of the Government, VTC and Hong Kong Retail Management Association joined hands to launch the Diploma of Foundation Studies and Higher Diploma programmes for the Pilot Scheme in 2014 and 2015 respectively, with a view to encouraging young people to enter the retail industry and enhancing their upward mobility. Over 400 participants have since joined the Pilot Scheme to earn and learn in parallel. They learn knowledge and know-how in the classroom while acquiring practical experience at the workplace and simultaneously earning a stable income.” Chairman of Hong Kong Retail Management Association, Thomson CHENG said, “Through the Pilot Scheme, young people enter retail to learn the ropes of the trade, experiencing firsthand the innovation that flourishes in the industry and the numerous opportunities offered.” He pointed out that the Pilot Scheme was already popular with industry and the performance of its participants much lauded. Upon graduation, he added, scheme participants who entered retail would become the new blood primed to achieve successes. The first cohort of graduates of the Pilot Scheme took the 18-month Diploma of Foundation Studies programme. In the course of study, students spent three days per week classroom learning at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), member institution of VTC, and three days on-the-job training with an employer to obtain professional knowledge and practical experience in sales, while earning a steady monthly salary from the employer and an allowance from the Government. Under the tripartite collaboration of the Government, Hong Kong Retail Management Association and VTC, the Pilot Scheme trains up retail talents, raising the quality of human capital and providing young people with a clear study and career progression pathway. After entering the industry and accumulating adequate experience, graduates are then ready for subsequent career progression and fastracking to the level of assistant store manager. Alternatively they can pursue a higher diploma on the way to acquire higher qualifications, such as a degree. With extensive industry support, over ten retail sectors have participated in the Pilot Scheme, including fashion and accessories, watches and jewellery, cosmetics and electronics and electricals. Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong with some 250,000 students and trainees each year. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and also to provide valued supports to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 13 member institutions including the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) , the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK) , the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) , the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) , the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) , Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI) , Chinese Cuisine Institute (CCI) , International Culinary Institute (ICI) , Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI) , Youth College , Pro-Act by VTC , Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and Shine Skills Centre. VTC web site: www.vtc.edu.hk Media Enquiries: 2836 1869 / 2836 1047 |
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