VTC and Gammon to jointly design Professional Diploma in Modular Integrated Construction to nurture talents for smart construction

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) and Gammon Construction Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday (3 October) to jointly design a new Professional Diploma in Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) programme. The MoU was signed by Dr Daniel YAN, Academic Director of VTC Engineering Discipline, and Ir Gilbert TSANG, Executive Director of Gammon Construction Limited. The collaboration signifies the commitment of both parties to help practitioners grasp the latest innovative construction technology, nurturing talents for smart construction and supporting sustainable development of the industry.

At the signing ceremony, Dr Michael WANG, VTC Deputy Executive Director said, “Facing the steady growth of construction volumes in Hong Kong and the surge in demand for talents conversant with the latest technology, VTC, as a leading Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) provider in Hong Kong, is dedicated to providing quality training to equip practitioners with professional knowledge and skills to support industry development. We are delighted to collaborate with a prominent industry leader, Gammon Construction Limited, to jointly groom talents with smart construction technologies in order to uplift productivity for the construction industry.” He further remarked that the joint programme will enable industry talents to keep abreast of the up-to-date industry needs and trends through theoretical learning and practice. On completion of the programme, learners can further articulate to a related programme for career and academic progression.

Ir Gilbert TSANG, Executive Director of Gammon Construction Limited, said, “As a long-standing contractor in Hong Kong, Gammon is committed to promoting development in the construction industry of the city and tackling industry-wide challenges, including labour shortage, digitalisation in the industry, new and innovative construction methods as well as the growing awareness of Environmental, Social, and Governance issues in society, together with local authorities, academics and other stakeholders. MiC is a timely solution to address these challenges. We at Gammon are delighted to join hands with VTC on developing the first Qualifications Framework (QF) Level 4 Professional Diploma in MiC, with the aim of nurturing young talent in MiC application. What’s particularly meaningful about this programme is that it will also provide a path for our existing workforce to upgrade their careers in the industry.”

Modular Integrated Construction, MiC, is an innovative construction method and technique, by adopting the concept of “factory assembly followed by on-site installation”, where a building is divided into freestanding modules and the complicated and time-consuming process can be accomplished in a factory before the modules are transported to the site for installation. Compared with traditional construction methods, MiC can substantially reduce construction time, uplift on-site productivity and save costs. This is the construction method actively promoted by the government and industry in recent years.

The Professional Diploma in Modular Integrated Construction, jointly developed by the Engineering Discipline of VTC member institution Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) and Gammon Construction Limited, comprises a comprehensive coverage of new technologies and management about MiC and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). To move with the digital era in the industry, the programme focuses on the latest application of the MiC projects, and provides knowledge on utilizing a range of emerging technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) . Learners would have opportunities to acquire a better understanding of the safety standards and installation requirements of MiC through site visits.

VTC and Gammon Construction Limited jointly designed and developed the course content. Both sides deployed teachers and provided teaching materials for students to learn the latest knowledge and skills of MiC. Gammon Construction Limited also encourages its staff to join the programme keeping up with the latest development in the industry. The Professional Diploma in Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) will start in mid-October. Students can apply for the Vplus Subsidy Scheme (Vplus Engineering) where eligible applicants will be refunded 60% of the tuition fees.

About Vocational Training Council
Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. 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 support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 13 member institutions, namely 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) , the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI) , the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) , the International Culinary Institute (ICI) , the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI) , Youth College , Pro-Act by VTC , the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: www.vtc.edu.hk

About Gammon Construction Limited
Gammon Construction is a leading construction company in Hong Kong, with further operations in Singapore and mainland China. Gammon’s integrated business focuses on civil, building, foundations, electrical and mechanical, facades and interiors works and design, and its construction services division provides considerable plant and steel fabrication and concrete production capabilities. It has a strong building and information modelling department and a digital entity dedicated to furthering the commercial opportunities of the company’s innovations. With an annual turnover of US$2.5 billion, Gammon employs over 7,000 staff. Backed by two major international companies, Jardine Matheson and Balfour Beatty, the company combines local expertise and global resources as it builds Asia’s 21st century infrastructure.

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