The Vocational Training Council (VTC) says it appreciates the Government’s proposed development directions to enhance integrated vocational and skills training services for people with disabilities.  

The Labour & Welfare Bureau said the council also indicated its full support for the implementation of the proposed service model.  

The enhanced service model combines the strengths of the existing services of Shine Skills Centres operated by the VTC and Integrated Vocational Training Centres subvented by the Social Welfare Department.  

To tie in with a composite development project in Kwun Tong, the Government will resume the present site of the Shine Skills Centre (Kwun Tong) in the fourth quarter of 2021.  

The Government proposes to temporarily relocate the Kwun Tong centre’s programmes and students to the renovated and vacant school premises at 1D Oxford Road, Kowloon Tong.  

Upon completion of the Kwun Tong composite development project, the centre will be reprovisioned back to the district.  

The Government will continue to liaise closely with the VTC and provide necessary assistance on the decanting arrangements and reprovisioning of the school premises back to Kwun Tong.  

This will include the provision of feeder bus services between the MTR station and temporary school site for students in need. 

The proposed integrated vocational and skills training service model seeks to equip students with disabilities with skills commensurate with their abilities, assist them in adapting to the work environment, keep up their work motivation and sustain their continuous employment in the open market.  

The training programmes will better suit students’ individualised needs and aptitudes, and in particular strengthen their post-training employment support.  

“Up-skilling” or “re-skilling” courses arranged by the VTC will be open to graduates of the Shine Skills Centres or Integrated Vocational Training Centres subvented by the department. 

The Government and the VTC’s management will continue to work closely and stay in touch with students, parents and local stakeholders towards the target of seamless transition in service provision, the bureau added.