Watch Trade industry support industry development needs

The watch and clock industry is one of the economic pillars of Hong Kong's export industry. With a strong demand for talent in the watch and clock industry, VTC has been supported by the industry for many years, providing training and nurturing watch talents.

The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd. (FHKWTI) and Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd. (HKWMA) spare no effort in supporting the industry’s development. They generously donate funds to support VTC teaching staff to receive training in Switzerland and donate the latest watchmaking equipment for educational purposes. Excellent teaching can nurture future industry leaders. Thanks to the associations’ strong support, VTC teaching staff received a three-week training in the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Programme (WOSTEP). The WOSTEP course is highly reputable and respected in the industry, and VTC instructors who have the opportunity to undergo training have greatly benefited, with students also reaping the rewards.

In July 2024, a teaching staff of the Pro-Act Training and Development Centre (Precision Engineering) and six students in Diploma of Vocational Education (DVE) Watch and Clock programme received support and scholarships to enhance their professional skills in Switzerland. The course content ranges from basic tasks such as assembling and disassembling basic hand-wound movements, dismantling and oiling timing movements, mechanical movement assembly and disassembly, oiling, hairspring assembly and disassembly, timing system adjustments, and adjusting movement accuracy. The course content is very enriching, broadening their horizons. This rare opportunity is greatly appreciated by both students and instructor, who are thankful for the support from the Hong Kong Watch Industry Association and the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association.