To facilitate students' learning of a subject and to better prepare students for work and adult life after graduation, the technical institutes provide an extensive range of teaching and learning support services. In addition to the institutes' own facilities, workshops and practical facilities of the Vocational Training Council's industry training centres are also accessible to institute students.

Computer Facilities

To support the teaching and learning of computing courses and computing subjects, the institutes have three computer centres, each equipped with a minicomputer system serving either two or three institutes. The minicomputer facilities include three Digital Alpha Server 4100 Unix systems, one each at the Sha Tin Technical Institute, Tuen Mun Technical Institute (in Sep 98)  and Kwai Chung Technical Institute (in Sep 98), and one Digital clustered system comprising one VAX 6410 and two VAX 8350 machines in Morrison Hill Technical Institute. There are also two Computer-Aided-Design/Drafting and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) Centres, one each at the Haking Wong Technical Institute and the Lee Wai Lee Technical Institute to meet the CAD/CAM needs of various disciplines in the seven institutes. 

Furthermore, each institute is equipped with microcomputer/workstations which are available for booking by individual students for project work and hands-on experience.

In addition to the above central computer facilities, there are special computer systems in many disciplines for the teaching and learning of specific subjects. Examples are computerized pattern-making systems, computerized knitting machines, desk-top publishing systems, and 3-dimensional computer-aided-design systems. 

Language Laboratories

Proficiency in English language and the ability to communicate effectively are considered essential by employers. To help students improve their language and communication skills, the institutes are equipped with modern language laboratories.

Each language laboratory consists of a central console, forty to forty-five sets of cassette recorders and headphones and a TV set, as well as a resource bank of a wide range of audio and video tapes with accompanying written materials. Under the guidance of the teacher, students practise a variety of language skills individually at their own pace or by interacting with the teacher or among themselves.

Libraries and Reading Rooms

Each institute has an air-conditioned library and reading room. The library collection covers the entire range of academic disciplines and has between 30,000 and 40,000 volumes depending on the student population. The collection includes textbooks, reference books, government publications, British standards, periodicals, newspapers and audio-visual materials. Each library subscribes to about 200 academic journal titles to support the courses offered by individual institutes. The library also provides audio-visual equipment for students to use audio and video cassette tapes on languages and on their course materials. A computerized library network system called Dynix Library System links all VTC libraries together. It enables students of all modes of study to search library materials through Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) and to borrow library materials by simply using their bar-coded student cards. All libraries and reading rooms are normally open until 7:00 p.m. on weekdays during term-time and until 9:00 p.m. during examination periods.
 
 

Sports Facilities


The institutes have a variety of sports facilities for physical education training and activities. Example are squash courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, badminton courts, physical fitness training rooms, table-tennis room, and open playgrounds with tracks and sand pits. The sports facilities are open for use by students free of charge during normal institute hours and could be hired outside normal hours.



Counselling Services

Besides academic achievement, students could also attain better personal growth by making use of counselling services during their study in the technical institutes.

The provision of full-time professional student counsellors is to facilitate students' study and to help students improve their interpersonal skills, so as to prepare them for the world of work. 

Group counselling programmes and training workshops on different themes such as job-hunting techniques, study skills and self-understanding are provided for students.

For students who wish to seek personal counselling, student counsellors are ready to offer confidential consultation and practical assistance.

Financial Assistant Schemes

Financial assistance in the forms of tuition fee remission, student grants and emergency grant is available to needy full-time students. Moreover, there are many scholarships donated by industrialists and organizations as an encouragement and recognition of the efforts students put into their course of study at the institutes.