Young people seeking to enter the labour market including fresh Form 5 graduates are urged to join Labour Department youth training programmes to better equip themselves and improve their employability.

Application for the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme, the Youth Work Experience & Training Scheme and the Youth Self-employment Support Scheme is now open, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said, adding that he hoped more young people will join the programmes to acquire work skills and make the first but important step in their career paths.

"Young people should grasp these training opportunities for self-enhancement. The department is prepared to place all eligible applicants into suitable training programmes and will not turn anyone away," he said.

The department has so far received about 10,000 applications for the YPTP and the YWETS that provide 22,000 places. The deadline for application is August 26.

As for the YSSS that offers 1,500 training opportunities, a number of places are still available for young people who would like to be self-employed.

More than 57,000 benefitted from programme

In the past five years, more than 57,000 young people received comprehensive training under the YPTP.

Excluding those who decided to further their studies, the placement rate was close to 70%. The YWETS also helped 23,000 young people find jobs in the last two years.

The YPTP is a pre-employment training programme for young people aged between 15 and 19, with training on leadership, discipline and team building, job search and interpersonal skills, computer application and job-specific skills.

Career counselling complements training

This training is complemented by career counselling and support services throughout the programme and after job placement.

On completion of the modular training, trainees may undergo one month's workplace attachment provided by government departments, social service institutions, and public and private organisations.

Experienced staff in the workplace will act as mentors to support trainees. An allowance of $1,000 will be payable to trainees on completion of the workplace attachment.

The YWETS is an on-the-job training programme which complements the YPTP.

On-the-job training available

It provides six to 12 months' on-the-job training for young people aged between 15 and 24 of below-degree educational attainment with a view to helping a smooth school-to-work transition and improving their employability.

The scheme provides a 40-hour induction course for participants without prior interpersonal and job-searching skills training to help them acquire job search, interview, communication and interpersonal skills; and cultivate a positive work attitude, discipline and team spirit.

Registered social workers will act as participants' case managers. They will provide personalised career counselling and support services, which cover areas including pre-employment assessment, career-plan formulation, job-matching and on-the-job support.

Training vacancies provide guidance of mentors

The department will canvass training vacancies from employers and arrange trainees to receive on-the-job training under the guidance of mentors assigned by employers.

Employers will receive a monthly subsidy of $2,000 per trainee during the training period. In addition, trainees can enrol in suitable vocational training courses.

They can claim reimbursement for the courses and fees up to $4,000 if they have an attendance rate of 90% or attained the qualification.

Youths learn to be self-employed

The YSSS provides an alternative to traditional employment for young people who would like to be self-employed with training and support services.

Those aged between 18 and 24 with education attainment of Form 5 to below degree level who are not engaged in any full-time employment, but have proven interest in being self-employed, are eligible.

The projects cover sectors such as beauty therapy and personal care, personal styling, multimedia design and production, computer application and maintenance, tour guide service, performing arts, programme co-ordination and stage production, and pet care and training.

Four months training from recognised instructors

Participants will receive foundation training of not more than four months by instructors with recognised qualifications and experience from service providers.

This will include training on work skills and basic self-employment techniques, including market research and strategy, sales techniques and customer service, financial management and budgeting, as well as interpersonal and social skills.

Business managers with relevant experience and qualifications will help trainees build up customer contacts for at least eight months in order to develop the latter's self-employment potentials. This will also equip trainees with hands-on experience in self-employment.

NGOs to provide equipment, facilities, admin support

Throughout the training period, non-government organisations will provide the necessary equipment, facilities, resources and venue, as well as a full range of free administrative support for trainees to conduct business.

Application forms for the YPTP and the YWETS can 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; designated training bodies or downloaded from the website. For enquiries, please call 2835 2282.

Application forms for the YSSS can be downloaded from the Labour Department's website. Enquiries can be made at 2852 3817.