Youth Employment and Training Programme

The Youth Employment and Training Programme (YETP) provides free and dedicated training and career development services to young people aged 15 to 29 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below. The programme enables young people to better understand themselves and their work aptitudes while enriching their job skills and experience so as to enhance their employability. Career Advisors of YETP provide trainees with career development services. Trainees may also choose to participate in training courses, workplace attachment training and on-the-job training.

Youth Employment Start

Vocational Training Council

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong and provides a full range of pre-employment and in-service programmes with internationally recognised qualifications. VTC draws strength from its 14 Member Institutions, breadth of programmes and variety of accredited qualifications, championing a teaching and learning approach that is practical, hands-on and outcome-based. VTC provides vocational and professional education and training programmes (VPET) covering degree, higher diploma and diploma levels to school leavers and adult learners with diverse abilities, interests and learning needs.

The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) offers more than 20 "Applied Science-Oriented" degree programmes which cover seven academic areas, including Product and Fashion Designs, Sports and International Events Management, Digital Construction and Building Services, Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management, Chinese Medicine and Food Science, Hotel Management and Culinary Arts and Technology and Digital Technology and Innovative Business.As a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), THEi offers programmes which respond to the needs of growth industries. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical know-how through industrial attachments, real-life projects and overseas exchanges to nurture professional and work-ready graduates.

Higher Diploma Programmes, covering around 100 government-subsidised programmes in 7 academic disciplines, cater for students with different interests and abilities while imparting knowledge and skills in professional areas. The programmes effectively meet manpower needs, and students get a taste of real business while participating in work attachment programmes, which strengthen their practical experience. Besides, Languages and Student Development programmes are included to strengthen students' language ability and communication skills, enhance their self-esteem and furnish them with appropriate attitudes and values. Higher Diploma Programmes enable graduates to progress to degree programmes offered by local and overseas universities, and Higher Diploma graduates are also well recognised by industries.

The government-subsidised Diploma of Foundation Studies (DFS) programmes equip HKDSE graduates with trade-related knowledge and skills to prepare them for further studies or employment. Offered in 13 streams, DFS's curricula cover strong generic elements and skills to help students realise their potential and build a strong foundation for further studies. DFS graduates are eligible to articulate to VTC's Higher Diploma programmes, in which they may also apply for module exemptions if they pursue further studies in the relevant subject area. Furthermore, VTC's Diploma of Foundation Studies has been accepted by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) as meeting the academic entry requirements of grades in the civil service which requires Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language in the HKDSE Examination.

Diploma of Vocational Education (DVE) programmes cover study areas in Business and Services, Engineering, and Design and Information Technology. Secondary 6 and Secondary 3 to 5 graduates can normally obtain a DVE award through one year and three years of full-time study respectively. Students in selected DVE programmes are eligible to join the VTC Earn and Learn Scheme, which integrates structured classroom learning with on-the-job training. Holders of DVE are considered to have met the general entrance requirements of Higher Diploma programmes (not applicable to programmes with specific entrance requirements). They may consider pursuing studies in HD programmes in the relevant subject area or seeking employment.

The Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI), Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), and International Culinary Institute (ICI) offer a range of Diploma programmes in culinary arts, hotel, food & beverage service, tourism and event management with world-class training facilities, including Chinese and Western training restaurants, wine laboratory and training hotel - The T Hotel. Job placement service will be provided to students upon graduation. The Institutes endeavour to develop trained manpower for the industry.

General Entrance Requirements

• Degree: Level 3 or above in the HKDSE English Language and Chinese Language; AND Level 2 or above in the HKDSE Mathematics and one Elective Subject; AND an "Attained" in Citizenship and Social Development; OR Equivalent
• Higher Diploma: Five HKDSE subjects at Level 2 or above, including English Language and Chinese Language *; OR VTC Diploma of Foundation Studies; OR VTC Diploma of Vocational Education / Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate; OR Diploma Yi Jin / Diploma of Applied Education; OR Relevant and substantial work experience and/or prior qualification(s) obtained in or outside Hong Kong (e.g. assessed through recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation and transfer), with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education; OR Equivalent
• Diploma of Foundation Studies: Completion of Secondary 6 (under the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure) ; OR Equivalent
• Diploma of Vocational Education: Completion of Secondary 6 (under the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure) ; OR Equivalent
• Diploma: Completion of Secondary 6 (under the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure); OR Equivalent

* An "Attained" in HKDSE Citizenship and Social Development is regarded as equivalent to an HKDSE subject at "Level 2" for admission purpose.

Employees Retraining Board

The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) offers over 800 skills-based training courses straddling 28 industry categories, technology applications, and generic skills areas, assisting trainees in acquiring recognised qualifications and enhancing their competitiveness in the workplace. Courses on offer include placement-tied courses on vocational skills training for the unemployed, skills upgrading courses with skills enhancement training, generic skills courses on transferable skills applicable in various industries, and dedicated courses for specific service targets. ERB offers placement-tied youth training courses to eligible non-engaged youth aged between 15 and 29, including the "Youth Training Programme" which aims at rekindling their desire to learn and study, and motivating them to actively plan for their career, the youth featured courses that are generally incorporated with the work experience element, as well as part-time courses.

ERB will also organise "Workplace Experience Series for Secondary School Students", dedicated activities for young people at the "ERB Service Centre" and the "ERB Youth Internship Programme", etc. in 2026-27 to enhance young people's understanding on ERB courses, as well as the career prospects and job opportunities in different industries, with a view to supporting their training and employment needs.

Hong Kong Institute of Construction

Formerly known as the Construction Industry Training Authority, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) has more than 50 years of experience in providing training in Hong Kong. HKIC is committed to nurturing well‑rounded talents equipped with strong professional skills, solid theoretical knowledge, a high level of safety awareness, innovative thinking, and a sense of passion and pride for Hong Kong's construction industry, while actively promoting Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET). Since the establishment in 2018, HKIC is committed to programme revamping and developing new programmes, and conducts programme validations under the Qualification Framework (QF). Currently, HKIC offers 1-year full-time Certificate in Construction and Diploma in Construction, 2-year full-time Advanced Diploma, 2-year part-time Diploma in Construction and 3-year part-time Professional Diploma in Construction for Specialist Trades, which have been recognised as QF Level 2 to Level 4. Through the QF accredited programmes and "Approved Technical Talents Training Programmes", HKIC provides graduates with a comprehensive articulation pathway to plan their own further education and career development. HKIC cooperated with Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and University of the Built Environment and The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) to provide articulation pathway for Advanced Diploma graduates. HKIC continues to explore collaborations with more tertiary institutions, such as PolyU CPCE and Hong Kong Chu Hai College, to offer graduates a broader and more diversified range of further education pathways, allowing students to complete their degree education and prepare themselves for technical, supervisory and management positions.

All full-time programmes are tuition-free and HKIC will provide training allowance, subsidy ranging from HK$3,600 to HK$4,800, depending on the programmes. In addition to academic theories and skills training, the revamped "Certificate in Construction", "Diploma in Construction" and "Advanced Diploma" programmes will cover the latest technology and knowledge applied in the construction industry. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Smart Site Safety System (4S), drone applications and construction robot etc., and also whole-person development module and foundation skills subjects (i.e. Chinese Communication, English Communication, Mathematics and IT Application), aiming to help students prepare for career and further studies.

HKIC also launched the part-time "Diploma in Construction" programmes and the "Professional Diploma in Construction for Specialist Trades" programmes. Together with the well-structured apprenticeship under "Approved Technical Talents Training Programmes", graduates could concurrently enhance their skills and academic qualifications.

The 1-year and 2-year certificate and diploma programmes equip young people and secondary school leavers with professional qualifications and skills training.

• Advanced Diploma (2-year programme): It is designed for secondary graduates who have 5 HKDSE subjects at Level 2 or above, including Chinese Language and English Language. The programme aims to train construction supervisor.
• Diploma in Construction (1-year programme): It is designed for Secondary 6 graduates and aims to nurture students to become a knowledgeable skilled talent. After graduation and passing the Intermediate Trade Test, they can apply for registration as a Registered Semi-skilled Worker.
• Certificate in Construction (1-year programme): It is designed for students who have completed Secondary 3 or above and aims to train students as quality skilled workers. After graduation and passing the Intermediate Trade Test, they can also apply for registration as a Registered Semi-skilled Worker.

In addition, HKIC and its affiliated School of Professional Development in Construction (SPDC) offer a wide range of programmes catering to learners with diverse needs. These include full-time short programmes, robotics programmes, the Future Construction Excellence Programme (FCE), and AI-related programmes. Designed to equip practitioners with practical and industry-relevant skills, these professional construction programmes aim to nurture 'knowledge-based' technical specialists. HKIC also operates a dedicated Career Support Department that provides comprehensive employment support to graduates, facilitating their successful entry into the construction industry and long-term professional development.

Certificate in Construction – QF Registration Number: 21/000059/L2 – 21/000066/L2 (Registration period: 1 September 2021 – 31 August 2030)

Diploma in Construction – QF Registration Number: 21/000477/L3 – 21/000486/L3 (Registration period: 1 September 2021 – 31 August 2030)

Advanced Diploma – QF Registration Number: 22/000667/L4 – 22/000670/L4 (Registration period: 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2026)

Professional Diploma in Construction for Specialist Trades – QF Registration Number: 21/001459/L4 – 21/001463/L4 (Registration period: 1 September 2022 – 31 August 2027)