The Vocational Training Council (VTC) welcomes the measures proposed in the Budget to promote vocational and professional education

2022-02-23 Vocational Training Council

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) welcomes the measures proposed in the Budget to promote vocational and professional education, so as to further nurture talents with both professional knowledge and applied skills to meet the needs of the industry and society. The Budget will help promote the dual-track learning model of vocational education and enhance the effectiveness of training, as well as encourage continuous learning. Tuition subsidy for those enrolling in VTC's designated part-time professional courses will help to encourage practitioners in the industry to upgrade their skills.

Caritas Institute of Higher Education

Caritas Institute of Higher Education welcomes the budget proposal to increase recurring funding to an additional $400 million per year to subsidize students to study courses in medical-related research institutes and to strengthen the training of medical professionals. The Budget also proposes to add 500 designated places under the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) to subsidize students to pursue self-financing medical-related undergraduate degree programmes, and to explore the exemption of clinical placements to the HA cost. Caritas Institute of Higher Education will have more than 1,000 students benefiting from the new measures.

HKEAA

The HKEAA welcomes the government to pay examination fees for school candidates for the 2023 HKDSE examination. It is believed that the relevant measures can help relieve the financial pressure of parents and candidates. Yung Wing-kei, Chairman of the HKEAA, said that Hong Kong's economy has not yet fully recovered due to the epidemic, and many families are facing financial difficulties.

United Hong Kong Fund

Guo Kaijie, director of education and youth research at the United Hong Kong Foundation, said that the Budget has put forward specific measures for the continuous training and promotion of talents from all walks of life. Guo Kaijie believes that the government has withdrawn the age limit of the continuing education fund; however, the more fundamental question is whether the courses available meet the needs of the industry. He suggested that the government refer to Singapore, such as setting a time limit for capital injection to create incentives and increase the participation rate; and try to add more technology-related courses to promote the improvement of national skills.