The Labour Department plans to set up two youth resource centres to deliver one-stop advisory and support services on employment and self-employment, says Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip.

Mr Ip told legislators today the centres target trainees of the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and the Youth Work Experience & Training Scheme, and all those aged 15 to 29.

Mr Ip noted the Youth Work Experience & Training Scheme initially aimed to find jobs for 20,000 youths by July 2006. The target was achieved in April 2005 - 16 months ahead of schedule.

By the end of 2006, employers had engaged more than 31,400 youths as trainees under the scheme. Another 16,000 found jobs in the open market with their case managers' assistance.

The department will continue to develop new training courses to meet market needs and trainees' interests in collaboration with training bodies, Mr Ip added.