The Correctional Services Department's Industries & Vocational Training Building in Pik Uk Prison has opened, providing prisoners with improved facilities for engaging in industrial work and for vocational training.

The new building provides more than 100 work posts in its carpentry and garment-making workshops and venues for 60 training places for courses conducted by qualified staff and lecturers.

Courses include booth-setting and decoration, laundry assistance, retail and shop operation, and language and computer applications. Local male prisoners aged 21 or above with a remaining sentence of two years can apply for these courses.

The building will also be an authorised examination centre for the Intermediate Trade Test of Carpentry Joiner organised by the Construction Industry Council Training Academy.

Speaking at today's opening ceremony, the department's Industries & Vocational Training Section General Manager Lo Huen said, apart from providing productive work to inmates, the department enhances its rehabilitation services by providing comprehensive vocational training courses.

"These courses are market-oriented and lead to public accreditation, which helps improve inmates' employability and facilitates their reintegration into society after release," he said.