Policy Address

(F) Strengthen Labour Support

Reform the Employees Retraining Board and Vigorously Strengthen the Training of Local Workers

208. In the last Policy Address, I announced a comprehensive review on the Employees Retraining Board (ERB), which has been completed. I accept the recommendations on reforming the ERB, enhancing its role and positioning, from providing employment-related training targeted at low-skilled workers to devising skills-based training programmes and strategies for the entire workforce. In face of intense market competition, rapid industry development and widespread use of technology application, it is particularly important for the workforce to engage in life-time learning and acquire new skills. Near-term reform measures include, from early next year, removing from the eligibility criteria the cap on education level of service recipients, and increasing the annual number of training places by at least 15 000, targeting at the entire workforce; strengthening collaboration with higher education institutions and leading enterprises; as well as enhancing the ERB's career planning and job-matching services for service recipients. In addition, the ERB will map out other medium to long-term measures, such as how it could gauge and anticipate future skill requirements, how to reposition itself and build a new branding, how its structure and staff be adjusted, and how the Employees Retraining Ordinance should be amended. The ERB will work out the details and timetable, with proposals expected by the end of next year.

209. To support vocational training for local workers, the Government will put up two vacant school premises for application by established and experienced trade unions for providing training courses for different industries (particularly construction industry).