Archive - Year 2001

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Applications invited for second phase of pilot IT training sponsorship scheme

August 5, 2001

Applications are being invited for the second phase of the pilot "IT Training for Secondary School Leavers" scheme from secondary school leavers who wish to take courses on practical IT skills.

Administered by the Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau (ITBB), this pilot scheme provides sponsorship for current Form 5 to 7 students who will not continue their study after the current school year to take short courses on IT skills commonly required by employers in respect of employees of Form 5 to 7 standards.

Applications under the first phase of the scheme closed on July 21. Over 200 applications have been received and the total sponsorship requested is about $2 million.

Applications under the second phase can be submitted starting tomorrow (August 6). Total sponsorship available under the second phase is about $3 million. It is expected that at least 300 secondary school leavers will benefit.

"The pilot sponsorship scheme aims to enhance school leavers' employability and help them find jobs. It would also serve as an immediate measure to help address the IT manpower shortage in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the ITBB said.

Successful applicants may enroll in short courses offered by training providers that are properly recognized, certified or accredited for operation in Hong Kong as listed in the application guide. These courses cover training on basic office application skills, IT technical support skills, and web site development and e-commerce related skills.

There will be no limit on the number of courses that a school leaver can apply for sponsorship, but the sponsorship amount will be capped at 80 per cent of the total course and examination fees or $10,000, whichever is the less.

Upon completing the course(s) and passing the examination(s), a successful applicant will be reimbursed 40 per cent of the course and examination fees that he/she completes/passes or $5,000, whichever is the less. If a successful applicant can find a job that will make use of the IT skills acquired, he/she will be reimbursed another 40 per cent of the course and examination fees or $5,000, whichever is the less.

Application forms and application guides will be available starting tomorrow (August 6) at the following web sites: www.esd.gov.hk ("Education" directory), www.info.gov.hk/itbb/english/new/eform.htm ("What's New" directory) and www.info.gov.hk/ed ("HKeducationCITY" directory); and at the following places: all secondary schools, Public Enquiry Service Centres of all District Offices and all Job Centres of the Labour Department.

The deadline for application is August 31, 2001. Successful applicants will have to complete the enrolled courses and take the relevant examinations by December 15, 2001. Reimbursements have to be claimed by March 1, 2002.

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