(9 August 2016, Hong Kong) Driven by major infrastructure developments, public and private sector projects, along with building repairs and maintenance works, Hong Kong’s construction industry is enjoying new job opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers in all trades. Quality workers not only have good job prospects, but can also receive an attractive income.
The Basic Craft Course offered by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) is designed to provide specialised craft training for young people. The Course is based on practical technical training and supplemented with theoretical knowledge and site practice. The trainee will obtain “Intermediate Trade Test” qualification upon completion of the training. Over the past years, CIC trainees have been welcomed by employers with an employment rate of over 95%. When they become experienced and skilled, they can take the skilled worker trade tests and obtain the qualification of “Registered Skilled Worker”. They can also pursue further training and eventually become trade supervisors or start their own business as a subcontractor.
The Basic Craft Course is a full-time course of one year’s duration. The Course is tuition free and each trainee will receive a monthly training allowance of $3,150. Eleven key construction trades are available for enrolment, including bricklaying and plastering, bricklaying and tiling, construction formwork, carpentry and joinery, painting, decorating and sign-writing, marble laying, metal works and construction scaffolding works, and more. Applicants can select one of the trades based on their own ability and interest. The entry requirement of the course is completion of Secondary 3 or above.
The average starting salary for Basic Craft Course graduates in 2015 was around $12,000 with some young workers starting on a monthly salary of $17,000. Due to the attractive salary and good prospects, more trainees possessed higher academic qualifications. It is believed that more and more young people are now interested in joining the construction industry with its promising career prospects.
The Basic Craft Course starts every September and is now open for admissions. Applicants can bring their academic credentials to the following training centres from Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm for assessments and interview on-site. For course enquiries, please visit www.cic.hk or call 2100 9100.
1. CIC Kowloon Bay Training Centre (44 Tai Yip Street, Kowloon Bay)
2. CIC Sheung Shui Training Centre (1 Fung Nam Road, Sheung Shui)
3. CIC Aberdeen Trade Testing and Training Centre (95 Yue Kwong Road, Aberdeen)