Gov’t set to launch ‘comprehensive’ vocational training platform this year

The government plans to launch a comprehensive vocational training platform later this year, allowing job seekers to access all necessary resources in one convenient location.

In a Q&A Policy Address of the Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip yesterday, lawmaker Ella Lei voiced her concerns about the government’s strategy for implementing the local employment priority policy, a crucial focus of the current administration.

She questioned the effectiveness of the government’s current mechanism in achieving this goal. She noted that earlier, when large construction sites opened, hundreds of workers left their jobs. Local workers who completed a site faced long waits for job applications, interviews, skills tests, and notifications, often taking several months.

In contrast, non-resident workers could immediately begin work on the next construction site with the same employer after finishing their previous assignment.

In response, Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) director Chan Un Tong stated that the employment of non-resident workers is a strategic policy aimed at addressing the shortage of local labor.

He emphasized that the carefully managed introduction of non-resident workers, particularly skilled professionals, is essential in the current economic landscape to support the growth of new key industries and provide valuable guidance.

From January of last year to last month, Chan’s bureau, in collaboration with various joint operations to combat illegal employment, conducted 741 inspections.

As a result, 738 individuals were penalized for illegal employment activities, and the employment permits of 10 non-resident workers were revoked.

To address concerns raised by several lawmakers about local employment, Secretary Tai announced that the government will launch a comprehensive vocational training platform this year.

This initiative aims to consolidate training resources from various sectors, including community organizations, tertiary education institutions, and government entities, along with a variety of training programs and certification exams.

According to Tai, the platform will prioritize employment quality by understanding the specific needs of Macau residents in their job search, particularly the positions they aspire to pursue.

During the job transition process, it will take into account the necessary qualifications and certifications, including those from local, international, and mainland China sources. By integrating resources through this platform, targeted courses will be provided for workers to enroll in, designed to accommodate their needs for flexible, continuing education, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.

Tai emphasized the need for stronger problem-solving skills among local youths: “They have undergone a significant amount of theoretical training. Whether they spend four years in university, three years for a bachelor’s degree, add two years for a master’s, or even pursue a PhD, it all amounts to theoretical knowledge.

This poses a challenge for young people and those in training regarding their problem-solving abilities. Regardless of their field of study, after receiving higher education, they often struggle to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, which requires practical experience.”

He urged employers to offer relevant internship opportunities while the government provides corresponding training courses.

Chan added that a new round of career development internship programs for local residents and fresh graduates will be launched in June.