Part 4 73 VPET SERVICES properly implemented. They also assess the training progress of apprentices, and when necessary, mediate in disputes arising from their contracts. 4.30 In addition to workplace and classroom training, apprentices are given various opportunities to gain both local and international exposure and experience in order to enhance their skills and competencies. There is an annual Outstanding Apprentice Award to recognise the achievement and performance of apprentices. Besides, there are other regular opportunities for apprentices to take part in overseas visits and exchange programmes. EARN AND LEARN SCHEME 4.31 The Earn and Learn (E&L) Scheme has been piloted since AY 2014/15 and is well received by industries and trainees. Over 8,800 trainees have benefited from the Scheme with the participation of over 600 employers as of May 2023. The Government regularised the E&L Scheme to offer 1,200 places per year starting from AY 2019/20 with the increment of subsidy to a maximum of HK$90,000 per trainee. In AY 2023/24, the Scheme covers 54 programmes in five industry sectors, namely Engineering & Technology, Design, Jewellery & Creative Industry, Healthcare Services, Transportation and Testing & Certification. 4.32 With the support of the Government, VTC has offered a Pilot Incentive Scheme to Employers (PISE) to encourage E&L employers to join hands with VTC to implement Workplace Learning and Assessment (WLA), in which employers are engaged in the assessment of the competencies and performance of the trainees in the workplace to make learning more effective. The Government has provided a maximum amount of HK$36,000 per trainee to those participating employers upon completion of the assessment tasks. As of May 2023, over 250 employers had conducted WLA under PISE for 1,500 trainees since the implementation of WLA in 2019. 4.33 With a view to nurturing talent with professional knowledge and skills, and international exposure for the sustainable industry development in Hong Kong, financial support is provided by the Government to organise the pilot International Study Programme (ISP) for up to 180 apprentice trainees under the E&L Scheme per year through AY 2024/25, which comprises a range of trade-specific activities that enable participants to learn the best practices
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