To attract more workers into the ship repair industry, the Economic Development & Labour Bureau and the Vocational Training Council will co-launch a training incentive scheme August 1. Backed by the Maritime Industry Council, the scheme will train welders to fill a shortfall.

There are two categories of people eligible for the scheme - students can enter a three-year apprenticeship with a local shipyard to undergo on-the-job training, during which they can get $1,500 monthly incentive pay; or welders from other industries can switch to ship repairing via a re-training programme. They will get $4,000 monthly incentive pay during a 12-month employment period.

Those interested in joining the scheme can send applications to the Welding Training Centre, 7/F Kwai Chung Training Centre Complex, 13-19 San Kwai Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. For enquiries call 2494 4273.