'Q' mark training: Chief Executive Donald Tsang said a quality-assurance mechanism can ensure the credibility of qualifications awarded by a wide range of education and training providers.

The Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications Bill lawmakers are now examining will provide a quality-assurance mechanism to underpin the qualifications framework launched last year, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

Addressing the Hong Kong Management Association's 45th anniversary dinner today, Mr Tsang said under the framework, industry training advisory committees have so far been set up in eight industries to develop blueprint for their training programmes and qualifications.

He said with a quality assurance mechanism in place, the credibility of qualifications awarded by a wide range of education and training providers can be ensured.

In addition, Mr Tsang said a mechanism for 'Recognition of Prior Learning' will be introduced to acknowledge the skills and experience already acquired.

"This will benefit those workers who wish to pursue further learning as they can build on their competence without having to repeat any training," he said.

Full commitment pledged

Mr Tsang reiterated the Government is fully committed to continuing investment in Hong Kong's human capital, which is a critical factor for the territory's long-term prosperity, development and sustained growth.

"Education reform combined with manpower development initiatives will build an effective infrastructure for a lifelong learning culture in Hong Kong," he said.