The Vocational Training Council (VTC) very much welcomes the 2024-25 Budget delivered by the Financial Secretary Mr Paul CHAN today (28 February), which reaffirms the Government’s continuous commitment to foster industry-institution collaboration and diversified development to enhance vocational and professional education and training (VPET). VTC is grateful that the Government has set aside some $680 million to support related initiatives of VTC, which include extending the ‘Pilot Incentive Scheme to Employers’ and the ‘Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Students of Professional Part-time Programmes’ for five years, as well as stepping up support for student-exchange activities, strengthening assistance to students with special educational needs and encouraging employers to provide workplace learning opportunities etc.
The VTC will continue to enhance VPET programmes for pre-employed students and in-service practitioners, and strengthen student support, thereby helping Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the country nurture talents with professional knowledge, skills and practical experiences, and promoting social and economic development.
The VTC is also delighted to see that the Government has set aside a start-up fund of $100 million to support self-financing, post-secondary institutions in forming an Alliance of Universities in Applied Sciences (UASs). The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), a VTC’s member institution, has been offering applied science-oriented degree programmes to nurture talents with applied skills. THEi is working full steam ahead to develop and plan towards the direction of UAS in accordance with the requirements as set out by the Education Bureau.The VTC will also actively collaborate with other tertiary institutions to jointly promote the status and raise the awareness of VPET in the society.
The VTC once again thanks the Government for its staunch support for VPET. While continuing to work closely with the Government and the industry to groom skilled talents in demand, the VTC will encourage young people to pursue education pathways and professions that best suit their abilities and interests, with a view to helping Hong Kong and the country address future challenges and to contribute to the social and economic prosperity.
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