The professional skills and knowledge of the TV, film and entertainment sector is set to be enhanced under the Skills Upgrading Scheme. Thirty-nine courses with 115 classes will be offered next year, covering training on TV and film production and professional tuition for technical crews.

The Government has set aside $6.5 million for the first phase of courses, many of which will be offered in modular form with flexible hours of instruction to cater to participants' long and irregular working hours.

Principal Assistant Secretary for Education & Manpower Byron Lam said the implementation of CEPA will boost the industry's development.

"The Government includes this sector in the scheme with a view to supporting the development of this creative industry and consolidating its existing strengths," Mr Lam said.

TV, Film & Entertainment Skills Upgrading Scheme Industry Working Group Convenor Tsui Siu-ming added: "The scheme provides quality assurance and is widely supported by the industry."

With the recent addition of the horticulture and floristry sector, the scheme now covers 20 industries. Since its inception in 2001, it provides focused skills training for in-service workers with lower education level so as to maintain their competitiveness in the labour market.

The scheme also aims to promote a culture of 'skills upgrading and self-enhancement' among workers. So far, more than 4,200 classes have been conducted for over 88,000 people.