Q1 What qualifications should I meet to apply for courses at Vocational Development Programme Office (VDPO)?
This courses are designed for young people aged between 14 and 24, who are unemployed (i.e. do not have a full-time/part-time job) and awaiting study (i.e. have left school); their academic qualifications must be at or below secondary school graduation.
Q2 Where can I obtain the application details?
The application details for each term will be posted on VDPO website and announced on Facebook, or you may call at 3519 1808 for enquiry.
There are 3 rounds of application each year. Admissions will be held at Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) at Ma On Shan (MOS) in January, May and September. The arrangement of each intake depends on the situation. Please refer to the official website for the latest news update.
Q3 What should I pay attention to when applying for the courses?
i. Check the eligibility for admission
ii. Remember to bring the 5 required documents, including: 1. Completed application form; 2. Photo; 3. Identification document (original and copy); 4. Academic certificate issued by the last school attended; 5. School leave letter (15-24 years old) / suspension letter issued by the last school attended (only suitable for 14-year-old applicants)
iii. Select two interesting classes and indicate clearly your preference of the first and second choices
iv. During the designated period, you must register in person at IVDC (MOS) (Enrollment is on a first-come-first-served basis, no reservation is required)
Q4 Why is it necessary to provide a school leave letter / suspension letter and transcript?
Relevant documents are used to prove that the you did not enjoy dual academic status during the course period and prove that you meet the basic admission requirements. Therefore, you must provide it. Otherwise, your application will not be processed.
Q5 Can I change my course selection after registration?
In order to make applicants more established and understand their own interests, VDPO has set up special Intensive Classes so that applicants can try different vocational skills subjects. Due to the limited number of courses, unless there are sufficient reasons, VDPO will not accept changes after admission. Therefore, applicants must consider clearly their personal interests and choices before registration.
Q6 Is an interview required for registration?
Interviews are not required as long as you meet the admission requirements.
Our social workers are available to give advice to you on the suitable courses.
Re-study students must attend an interview before registration. Most interview appointments are scheduled two weeks before admission.
Q7 I have attended courses offered by the Vocational Development Programme (VDP). Can I apply again?
Each trainee is only eligible to study the "Youth Training Programme" (YTP) once. This is to encourage trainees to cherish learning opportunities and stay motivated, and guarantee the even distribution of limited resources to trainees. Since September 2016, if a trainee’s attendance rate is below 80% in the first 5 days of the Interest Classes , the students status will be automatically cancelled and no training allowance will be given for the school days attended. For trainees who drop out or fail to obtain a certificate due to any reasons, re-study is not allowed.
Q8 Why do re-study applicant have a chance to not be accepted after the interview?
Every case that is not accepted after the interview has its own reasons, including: the applicant's lack of motivation for further education/employment, or the applicant's lack of the conditions and willingness to enter the industry. If the applicant is not accepted after the interview, you can ask the student counsellor of VDPO to find out the reasons, and then consider whether the course is compatible with your own abilities and career/employment goals, so as to decide whether to choose another course.
Q9 What is the procedure for applying re-study of the courses?
Applicants for re-study are not allowed to choose courses they have taken before. You are advised to call at 3519 1808 to make an appointment for an interview within the specified date.
Applicants who successfully pass the interview can register in person at IVDC (MOS) during the designated registration period. Application by mail, fax or others will not be accepted. Registration is on a first-come- first-served basis. No reservation is required.
For re-study applications and admission restrictions, please contact our staff or student counsellor. VDPO reserves the right of final decision related to all application matters.
Q10 Are the courses offered in each intake the same?
The types of courses offered in each intake depends on the number of applicants and needs.
Q11 What is the total hours for the course and mandatory subjects required?
The course provides 300 hours of training. In addition to vocational skills, students are also required to take generic subjects namely, Chinese, English, Information Technology and Whole Person Development.
Q12 What are the requirements of Intensive Class?
Students need to meet the following requirements when joining the Intensive Class, including 1. Attendance rate of 100%; 2. Good performance during class; 3. Recommendation by the instructor; and 4. Successfully pass the Intensive Class interview selection. If the attendance rate does not reach 80% in the first 5 days after joining the Intensive Class, the students will be considered withdrawal from the class.
Q13 How can obtain a letter of recommendation for interviews?
Students who achieve an attendance rate of 80% or above, pass the assessments, have good classroom performance and a positive learning attitude will have a chance of obtaining a letter of recommendation for interviews of VTC courses. Whether students can successfully enroll in a VTC course depends on their performance in the interviews and the availability of study places of the courses they apply for.
Q14 How much does the course cost?
The Vocational Training Programmes (VDP), including Teen's Programme and People of Different Races, are free of charge. Students who meet an attendance rate of 80% during their studies and pass the assessment will receive training allowances.