“Career Let’s go” to help secondary school leavers plan their future

     The Labour Department (LD) today (May 7) launched a special programme called "Career Let's go" to meet the pre-employment training and employment needs of secondary school leavers who choose to enter the employment market upon graduation. The special programme, which lasts until August this year, aims to assist school leavers in obtaining the latest employment information, devising a career plan and enhancing their employability.

     A spokesperson for the department said that a series of diverse pre-employment training and employment services will be launched under "Career Let's go", which are expected to draw about 26 000 participants.

     The spokesman said, "The LD has identified a large number of job vacancies suitable for secondary school leavers. They can browse the vacancies on the dedicated webpage of 'Career Let's go' and make applications according to their personal aspirations."

     The dedicated webpage also provides details on various types of job fairs organised by the LD, including:

* Job fairs for young people under the Youth Employment and Training Programme (YETP) – some of the posts offered are complemented with pre-employment training, after which trainees will undergo salaried on-the-job training for six to 12 months;

* Recruitment days at LD job centres in different districts and industry-based recruitment centres – employers of various industries will offer on-the-spot job interviews, thus saving job seekers' time; and

* Large-scale job fairs – a wide array of vacancies open to job seekers are provided, many of which are suitable for secondary school leavers.

     The spokesman said, "Moreover, Youth Employment Start (Y.E.S.) will launch a 'Happy@Work' programme with a view to enhancing the job-hunting skills of school leavers as well as helping them unleash their potential at work and learn the true value of working through a series of training courses and interactive drama. Coupled with career assessment and career consultation at Y.E.S., respectively located in Mong Kok and Kwai Fong, we assist young people to make early planning for their career.

     "Secondary school leavers opting to enter the employment market are encouraged to enrol in the LD's YETP, which provides one-stop comprehensive pre-employment and on-the-job training without any pre-set quota. Not only is it free of charge, trainees will also receive an allowance."

     In addition, in August the LD will hold the Award Ceremony of YETP Most Improved Trainees 2019 cum Concert in collaboration with Radio 2 of Radio Television Hong Kong to showcase the improvements made by trainees after joining YETP. The event will launch recruitment activities for a new YETP programme year as well as encourage school leavers to embrace challenges and strive for their dreams.

     For details of various events under "Career Let's go", please refer to the appendix. The latest information will be uploaded to the dedicated webpage of "Career Let's go" (www.jobs.gov.hk/careerletsgo). Enquiries can be made on the LD's 24-hour hotline 2717 1771 which is handled by "1823".