VTC welcomes new initiatives in Policy Address to promote VPET

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) welcomes “The Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address” announced today (19 October) which outlines new initiatives to promote the development of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) in support of the sustainable development of industry and society.

VTC Chairman, Mr Tony TAI, welcomes the new initiatives set out in the Policy Address. Mr Tai said, “The Chief Executive sets forth the strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development to further promote VPET as a parallel pathway to conventional academic education to help young people with different talents pursue their aspirations. VTC will continue to support the Government’s initiatives and nurture future-ready VPET talents equipped with professional knowledge and applied skills to meet the socio-economic development needs of Hong Kong.”

As the leading VPET provider in Hong Kong, VTC fully supports the proposal of expanding the “Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors” which will cover top-up degree programmes for the first time, further enhancing the progression pathway of VPET for students.

On applied degree development, our Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management programme offered via the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) has been included as the first batch of programmes under the “Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes” in the current academic year. VTC welcomes the proposal in the Policy Address to explore the introduction of more applied degree programmes to provide more diverse study options for young people who pursue the VPET pathway.

VTC also thanks the Government for the staunch support to our “Future Skills Community Event” to be staged from 9 to 11 December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. During the three-day event, VTC will showcase the remarkable achievements and diverse capabilities of VPET talents and explore the value of VPET together with stakeholders from all sectors and the community in addition to helping young people identify their career interests. The event will feature thematic exhibitions, skills demonstrations, try-a-skill experiential activities, industry sharing sessions and performances. Details are available on the event website: https://www.vtcfutureskills.hk/index.html

VTC will also proactively support the Government’s policies on STEAM and national education to better prepare young students for building a smart future for Hong Kong.

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