Press Release

CSD holds Timber Formwork Skill Course graduation ceremony

     Fifteen persons in custody were presented with certificates for the Timber Formwork Skill Course at Tong Fuk Correctional Institution today (February 28) in recognition of their efforts in preparing themselves to join the construction sector after release.

     Officiating at the presentation ceremony, Member of the Fight Crime Committee Mr Edgar Kwan said, "The Correctional Services Department (CSD) strives to provide diversified vocational training courses to meet market needs, thus helping rehabilitated people to re-integrate into society.

     "As a former Director of the Construction Industry Training Authority, I fully understand the importance of the sector to the development of a city. The construction industry urgently requires a lot of manpower to cope with the major infrastructure projects. Keeping abreast of developments, the department has organised the Bar Bending and Fixing Skill Course and the Timber Formwork Skill Course not just to train up new blood for the industry, but also to provide promising employment opportunities for rehabilitated persons. Through these courses, it contributes to society and creates a win-win situation."

     The CSD's Superintendent (Vocational Training), Ms Yeung Yin-miu, pointed out that this was the second time that the department had jointly organised the course with the Construction Industry Council. She said that some graduates from the first batch have already joined the construction industry.

     In addition, Ms Yeung said the department is holding the Bar Bending and Fixing Skill Course at Tai Lam Correctional Institution in order to boost the workforce of the sector and help persons in custody to return to society smoothly.

     Apart from organising construction courses, the department works with other professional bodies and training agencies to provide more than 30 market-oriented vocational training courses, covering construction, engineering, business, food and beverage, retail, tourism, beauty care, logistics, laundry services, information technology, environmental services, health care and transport. These courses can help persons in custody obtain the skills and recognised accreditation to strengthen their placement capability after release.

     Among the graduates of the Timber Formwork Skill Course is Ah Wah (not his real name), who will be released in the middle of next year. He said that he plans to turn over a new leaf after release to meet the expectations of his family. Ah Wah has decided to join the construction trade because of the high pay and the many job opportunities brought about by the launch of the major infrastructure projects.

     Persons in custody who complete the 95-day Timber Formwork Skill Course and pass a qualification test can obtain qualifications that are the same as those awarded to outside trainees, including the Intermediate Trade Test Certificate - Carpenter, the Specified Trade Safety Training Certificate - Silver Card, and the Construction Industry Safety Training Certificate - Green Card. They can also register as Semi-skilled Workers.

Ends/Friday, February 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:25

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Fifteen persons in custody were presented with certificates for the Timber Formwork Skill Course at Tong Fuk Correctional Institution today (February 28). Photo shows officiating guest and member of the Fight Crime Committee Mr Edgar Kwan (left) presenting a certificate to one of the persons in custody.

Persons in custody demonstrate the construction of a spiral staircase.

Persons in custody demonstrate the construction of a spiral staircase.