In Hong Kong, many sectors are facing a severe labour shortage amid the city’s record low unemployment rate. Unleashing the potential of local talent can offer a quick solution to relieve some of the pressure. 

Established by the Vocational Training Council in 2012, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) is helping to plug the city’s skills gap. It provides vocational training including degree programmes to equip its graduates with work-ready skills in niche areas. 

Chamber members got the opportunity to see the cutting-edge facilities at THEi’s new campus in Chai Wan, which opened in January, during an exclusive tour on 29 October.

After an overview of THEi’s development by Executive Vice-President Dr Lawrence Chan, members visited the Product Design department to see how students use advanced machinery such as 3D printers to create prototypes. In the Fashion Design department, they viewed a computerized knitting machine that can transform digital designs into finished garments. They also visited the Horticulture and Landscape Management department and the institute’s training restaurant. 

Companies including Maxim’s Group and Hong Kong Disneyland offer placement opportunities for THEi students, so they can integrate their classroom learning with workplace practice, Dr Chan said. 

The Government has pledged support for THEi by offering subsidies for programmes in areas where the manpower shortage is particularly acute. THEi can also offer seed funding to graduates, and allows them continued access to campus facilities to support their ongoing development.