The average placement rate for trainees of the first three Youth Pre-employment Training Programmes was close to 70%, according to surveys the Labour Department commissioned.

More than 45,000 young people have been trained under the programmes since their introduction four years ago.

Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said that with the support of the Government, employers, training institutions and parents, the programme was helpful to school leavers who had neither work experience nor vocational skills.

Many trainees were able to set out their objectives in life and career, and make substantial improvements.

In 2002-03, over 1,000 employers provided more than 11,000 attachment places, with almost 70% from the private sector.

Most of these places came from tourism and related trades, business services and social services sectors.

More diversified and job-specific skills training will be introduced in this year's programme, which will start next month, to cater for the market's and young people's changing needs.

New courses include training on comic book production, stage acting, disc jockey and radio broadcast, fingernail painting techniques as well as environmental hygiene and pest-control.

Mr Cheung said the Government has set up a referral system for the programme graduates and the Youth Work Experience & Training Scheme to provide young people with comprehensive career counselling and training to further enhance their employability and competitiveness.

They will benefit from participating in the pre-employment and on-the-job training.

The two programmes are receiving applications jointly this year. Application procedures have been streamlined.

An exhibition on the two pre-employment programmes is being held from 2.30pm to 7pm today and from 11am to 7pm tomorrow at the Stars Atrium, 1/F, Plaza Hollywood, Diamond Hill.

On-the-spot applications are accepted. The deadline for applications is August 18.

Application forms can also be obtained from the department's Careers Information Centres and Job Centres; Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department; District Offices of the Social Welfare Department; other designated training bodies; or downloaded from the website.

Online registrations will be accepted from applicants aged 18 or above.

For enquiries, call 2835 2288.