The Employees Retraining Board is seeking public views on its strategic review which outlines the body's new directions and objectives.

According to the consultation document released today, the board plans to promote skills assessment and professional certification to fortify recognition, improve training content and extend training hours, and offer more support to social enterprises.

Other major proposals include:

* diversifying the scope of training courses to cater for new target groups;

* providing training on generic skills;

* revamping part-time non-placement-tied courses on English, Chinese, Putonghua, numeracy and applied information technology;

* incorporating workplace experience in training courses; and,

* offering skills-upgrading courses to help small and medium enterprises and social enterprises staff enhance their value in their industries.

Policy adjustments needed

Welcoming the board's move Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said the growth model of the city's economy has changed and training policy must be adjusted to meet today's challenges.

"I look forward to the board taking on a new strategic role and responsibilities and offering more comprehensive and diversified training and retraining services for the local workforce. I encourage all stakeholders to express their views on the consultation document."