Press Release

First batch of inmate graduates from Bar-bending and Fixing Skill Course presented with certificates

     Twelve inmates were presented with certificates for the Bar-bending and Fixing Skill Course at Tai Lam Correctional Institution (TLCI) today (October 23). Officiating at the presentation ceremony, the Director (Training and Development) of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), Mr Charles Wong, commended inmates' efforts in preparing for work in the construction sector after release.

     "In view of the labour shortage in the sector, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) has organised the Bar-bending and Fixing Skill Course and Tong Fuk Correctional Institution (TFCI)'s Timber Formwork Skill Course. These courses not only help the construction industry train new blood, but also provide promising employment opportunities for rehabilitated persons," Mr Wong said at the ceremony.

     He said that the CSD and the CIC have been jointly organising a number of construction-related vocational training courses and intermediate trade test courses, including the Painting and Decoration Course as well as the Intermediate Trade Tests for Concreter, Metal Worker, Joiner, Plumber, Refrigeration/Air-conditioning/Ventilation Mechanic and Electrical Wireman.

     Superintendent of the CSD Mr Edwin Ko said that the Bar-bending and Fixing Skill Course was the first of its kind jointly organised by the department and the CIC. To cope with demand in the construction labour market, the course immediately followed the Timber Formwork Skill Course at TFCI so as to provide much-needed talent for the industry, in addition to facilitating smooth reintegration of the inmates into society after release.

     Mr Ko added that providing inmates with vocational training is a vital part of rehabilitation work. The department would therefore review the existing arrangements for its vocational training courses from time to time and would continue to work closely with professional bodies and training organisations in the community. To tie in with the employment situation in the market, the CSD will organise more market-oriented vocational training courses to help inmates to enhance their professional skills and recognised qualifications, and hence improve their employability after release.

     Among the graduate inmates is Ah Kin (not his real name), who will be released by the end of this month. He said he would try to find a job in the construction sector as his friend's father is also working in the trade. Noting that workers in this field are considerably well paid and adding that the 10 major infrastructure projects would create jobs, he said he believes he would have many opportunities to earn a living and turn over a new leaf.

     Inmates who finish the 97-day course and pass a qualification test would obtain the same qualifications as outside trainees including the Intermediate Trade Test Certificate - Bar Bender & Fixer, the Specified Trade Safety Training Certificate - Sliver Card, and the Construction Industry Safety Training Certificate - Green Card. They can also register as Semi-skilled Workers.

Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:45

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Twelve inmates were presented with certificates for the Bar-bending and Fixing Skill Course at Tai Lam Correctional Institution (TLCI) today (October 23). Photo shows the officiating guest, the Director (Training and Development) of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), Mr Charles Wong, presenting a certificate to one of the inmates.

Two inmates demonstrate bending of bars for fixing a structural wall in a mock-up flat in the construction site.

Under the supervision of an instructor of the CIC, an inmate demonstrates the operation of a bar bending machine.