New programme to enhance employability for Hong Kong's graduates

Hong Kong's Labour Department (LD) has launched a special programme to cater for the pre-employment training and employment needs of secondary school graduates in the city.

Titled "Career Let's go", the programme is targeted towards those who choose to enter the employment market upon graduation.

It will assist graduates in grasping 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 the programme. These are anticipated to attract about 40, 000 participants.

"The LD has identified a large number of job vacancies suitable for graduates. Graduates can browse the vacancies in the dedicated webpage of 'Career Let's go' and apply for jobs according to their aspirations,” the spokesperson said.

The programme was launched days before the release of the city's latest unemployment figures.

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A press release from the government stated the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.3% in January - March 2015 to 3.2% in February - April 2015.

The underemployment rate also decreased from 1.4% in January - March 2015 to 1.3% in February - April 2015.

"Total employment decreased by around 8, 800 from 3,801,100 in January - March 2015 to 3,792,300 in February - April 2015," the press release stated.

It added that over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 8 600 from 3,928,400 to 3,919,800.

"The near-term employment outlook will continue to hinge on the overall economic growth, in particular how domestic demand and inbound tourism would fare down the road amidst the various uncertainties on the external front," commented Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare.

"We will stay vigilant and closely monitor development in the labour market."

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