VTC launches new professional programmes for Maritime Industry under Engineering Training Subsidy Scheme
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, VTC Chairman Dr Clement CHEN said, “At VTC, we are keen to provide flexible and diversified study pathways, and promote lifelong learning so as to equip people in pursuing further career development and advancement. On that note, the HKSAR Government has recently approved a new commitment of HK$200 million for VTC to implement a Pilot Subsidy Scheme for students of professional part-time courses covering programmes in maritime, engineering and construction fields. With the staunch support from the Government, we are pleased to introduce new professional diploma and two professional certificates programmes for maritime industry under this Engineering Training Subsidy Scheme, whereby in-service learners can receive tuition subsidy. Apart from the new programmes that we launch today, the VTC also offers a range of maritime-related programmes which lead to formal qualifications and were pegged at Hong Kong Qualifications Framework Levels 2 to 5, namely from Certificate to Degree levels.”
The launching ceremony was also graced by the presence of The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London, Mr Alderman the Lord MOUNTEVANS, the former Managing Director of renowned UK shipping company, H. Clarkson and Co. Mr Alderman the Lord MOUNTEVANS has made significant contributions to manpower training of the maritime industry in the UK. He was delighted to witness the launch of the first-ever top-up degree programme to be co-offered by MSTI and WMA today.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Southampton Solent University, Professor Mike WILKINSON, was also present and was delighted with the collaboration between the two parties. Professor Wilkinson said, “Like the Vocational Training Council, Southampton Solent University seeks to provide education that supports the needs of industry and contributes to the enhanced employability of its graduates.” He also said, “It is therefore fitting that our first top-up degree programme outside of the UK would take place in Hong Kong, a region that also owes its development to its deep natural harbour, and even more fitting that it takes place in partnership with an institution such as MSTI of VTC that so closely aligns with our own educational philosophy.”
The ceremony was officiated by HKSAR Deputy Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport) Joey LAM, Deputy Trade Commissioner of British Consulate-General Hong Kong Richard FLOOD, and VTC Executive Director Carrie YAU as well. After the ceremony, the guests went on a tour of the MSTI facilities, including the Survival Drill Tank, Full Mission Shiphandling Simulator Centre, and Mock-up Bridge under the guidance of teachers and students of MSTI.
VTC aims to offer three new part-time maritime programmes: a Professional Diploma in Marine Operations and Professional Certificates in Marine Operations and Shipboard Operations. The programmes will cover topics including ship construction and maintenance, ship safety management, maritime law, ship business and maritime affairs. Pegged at Qualifications Framework Level Four, the programmes are tailored for in-service maritime personnel. Upon completion of the programmes, students can advance to the top-up degree programme for better personal credentials and career progression in the maritime industry.
All three programmes are to be covered by the ETSS, whereby eligible students will be refunded 60% of tuition fees. To encourage working adults to pursue higher qualifications geared towards upward mobility while promoting professionalism in the construction services and engineering industries, the ETSS will subsidise students pursuing the designated VTC professional part-time programmes.
Details of ETSS can be obtained at the following website: http://www.vtc.edu.hk/admission/etss
The Maritime Services Training Institute（MSTI）is a member of VTC Group. Located at Tai Lam Chung, Tuen Mun, MSTI has been offering professional training for new entrants, local and foreign seafarers, and employees of marine-related and shore-based industry to meet the local standards and international requirements of the marine industry since 1988. The Institute provides pre-employment courses such as the Junior General Purpose Rating Course for Secondary 3 school leavers and the Higher Diploma Course in Maritime Studies for Secondary 6 leavers. MSTI also provides various mandatory safety training to meet local rules and regulations.
Website: http://www.msti.edu.hk/
Media Enquiries: 2836 1790 / 2836 1046
