Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung urges job-seekers to visit the Education & Careers Expo to widen their scope for pursuing lifelong learning and to get information on various professions from veteran practitioners.

Addressing the opening ceremony today, Mr Cheung said: "Over the years, the expo has served as the best platform for students and the public to enrich themselves with up-to-date and comprehensive information on education, training and the employment market for mapping out their future."

The expo this year has lined up 477 education and careers exhibitors, forming a huge databank of valuable information on education and career opportunities.

Programmes launched

Special counters and seminars on the Labour Department's two flagship youth programmes - the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and the Youth Work Experience & Training Scheme - have been arranged.

Although the unemployment rate for the 15-24 age group has come down from an all-time high of 19.1% in the summer of 2003 to the latest figure of 9.8%, youth unemployment still remains high, Mr Cheung said.

He urged young people to enrol in the programmes to enhance their employability. "Opportunities are always reserved for those who are well prepared," he said.

The expo is open from today until February 22 at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Admission is free. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm February 20 to 21, and 10am to 6pm February 22.