VTC warmly welcomes initiatives in Policy Address to support VPET development
-
The Vocational Training Council (VTC) warmly welcomes the initiatives in supporting the Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) promulgated in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address. The measures will facilitate the development of professional workforce, nurturing local VPET talents and attracting talents from outside Hong Kong, particularly from the Mainland, including the Greater Bay Area.
Expanding the Vocational Talent Pool
The VTC is grateful to the Government’s initiative to build a campus for the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), a member institution of the VTC. Being Hong Kong’s first dedicated IT tertiary institute, HKIIT was established in November last year and has admitted its first cohort of students in the 2024/25 academic year. With the Government’s support, HKIIT is committed to developing its campus and enhancing its teaching facilities, supporting the provision of pre-employment and in-service training for the IT sector to further expand the IT talent pool for the future development of Hong Kong.
The VTC also deeply appreciates the Government’s support on the development of its Lift and Escalator Technology Centre. The centre will provide a comprehensive and integrated teaching environment equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, and offer enhanced training programmes for grooming more skilled professionals for the industry.Besides, the VTC welcomes the initiative to provide examination fee subsidies to Hong Kong residents who pass the examinations under the “One Examination, Multiple Certification” arrangement starting from 2025/26, thereby fostering talent development and mutual recognition of professional qualifications amongst Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
Development of Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs)
The VTC fully supports the Government’s initiative on development of UASs in Hong Kong. The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), a member institution of the VTC, has been offering applied science-oriented degree programmes and is working full steam ahead towards becoming a UAS. The VTC also welcomes the Government’s initiative to facilitate the establishment of the Alliance of UASs, and will actively participate and contribute to the promotion of VPET in collaboration with other tertiary institutions to further enhance the social status of VPET.
Promoting the Development of an International Hub for Post-secondary Education
As the largest VPET provider in Hong Kong, the VTC fully supports the Government’s education-related initiatives, including the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and the creation of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, to attract more non-local students to support the future development of the city.
Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme (VPAS)
The Government launched the VPAS last year, allowing non-local students enrolled in designated full-time VTC Higher Diploma programmes in Hong Kong for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years to stay in Hong Kong for one year after graduation to seek relevant jobs. The VTC greatly welcomes the expansion of skills trade coverage of VPAS for 2025/26. The VTC pledges its continuous effort in the implementation of this scheme with a view to attracting more non-local students to study relevant programmes in Hong Kong and contribute as a new force in the local labour market.
The VTC will continue to support and work in line with the Government policies, to nurture more skilled VPET talents for social and economic development.
Media Enquiries: 2836 1790