Skilling for the Future (2020 Update)

The HKSAR Government promotes lifelong learning through a number of policy initiatives such as the establishment of the Qualifications Framework (QF) in Hong Kong. A Continuing Education Fund (CEF) has been in place since 2002 providing subsidies to members of the public to pursue continuous and lifelong learning. The subsidy ceiling is up to HK$20,000 per applicant and all courses under the Qualifications Register with quality assured by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) are reimbursable. Upskilling for the Future VPET is critical to achieving the vision for lifelong learning through upskilling and reskilling of the workforce. At the VTC, there are plenty of VPET opportunities and choices for adults to equip themselves either for career progression or career mobility. Currently, the VTC offers a wide range of CEF reimbursable courses to the general public. The VTC also works closely with industry partners to develop manpower required to support sustainable growth of local industries, such as award-bearing programmes for the engineering industry. The Vplus Engineering Scheme (formerly known as the Engineering Training Subsidy Scheme), approved by the HKSAR Government, provides tuition fee subsidies for designated professional part-time programmes in the areas of construction, engineering and technology offered by the VTC. Another Vplus Creative Industries Scheme was also launched to further encourage lifelong learning among in-service practitioners. In addition, the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), a member institution of the VTC, provides a wide range of Continuing Professional Development programmes every year to meet the professional development needs of in-service practitioners particularly those from the insurance and banking sectors. Skilling for the Future 105