F.A.Q.

About the Youth Employment and Training Programme (YETP)

Information for Trainees : Notes for Enrolment

Am I eligible to join YETP? How much does it cost?

Young school leavers aged 15 to 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below are welcome to join YETP. Application is accepted round the year and is free-of-charge. For details, please click  here.

Is there any lowest educational attainment requirement, or admission test of any kind?

All young school leavers aged 15 to 24, holders of valid Hong Kong Identity Card who are lawfully employable in Hong Kong and are ready to enter into employment, are welcome to join YETP. We have no other admission restrictions.

What services will I receive upon admission?

Upon admission, you may, among others, participate in the training courses of Employees Retraining Board (ERB) or YETP, workplace attachment training and on-the-job training to enhance your vocational skills and prepare yourselves for landing on the labour market smoothly. You will also be provided with personalised career guidance, job search assistance, training and post-employment support by registered social worker in the form of 12 months’ case management services.
Upon completion of initial screening, trainees may enrol in suitable training courses of ERB or YETP via their case managers. Trainees may also select suitable workplace attachment training / on-the-job training vacancies with the assistance of their case managers.

If I have participated in YETP before, can I apply for YETP again?

Yes, you are welcome to apply for YETP again as far as you fullfil the admission requirements. If you have participated in YETP before, after initial screening, you may apply for workplace attachment training or on-the-job training vacancies, or, with the assistance of your case manager, enrol in training courses of ERB or YETP, or workplace attachment training or on-the-job training.

How can I join YETP?

Application forms can be obtained from the YETP Offices, Job Centres, Recruitment Centres and Youth Employment Start of the Labour Department, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department, the District Offices of the Social Welfare Department, relevant service providers or click  here  . Please submit the completed form by fax: 3107 0411, mail or deliver by hand to YETP (HK office): 16/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. For applicants aged 18 or above, please click  here  for online application. For details, please click  here  .

When will I know if my application has been successful?

An acknowledgement email will be sent to eligible applicants within 1 week upon receipt of the application form and other relevant information. The service provider providing case management services will arrange an initial screening with the applicants. Upon completion of the initial screening, eligible applicants will receive a letter of notification letter, along with a trainee card and a trainee’s handbook.

Do I need to prepare any documents for the initial screening?

At the initial screening, your case manager will meet you and inspect your identification (e.g. Hong Kong Identity Card) and educational qualification documents in order to ascertain whether you are eligible and suitable for joining YETP. Therefore, please bring along the abovementioned documents when you attend the initial screening meeting.

Information for Trainees : Case Management Services

How can I ascertain the basic service period of my case management services?

The basic case management service period commences once you are successfully assigned to a service provider and lasts for 12 months. For example, if you are assigned to a service provider on 10 April 2023, your basic service period will come to an end on 9 April 2024. In the letter of notification and the trainee card, you will find the service period of your case management services, information and telephone number of your service provider.
During the basic service period, personalised case management services will be provided to trainees by registered social workers. Trainees may also enrol in training courses of ERB or YETP, workplace attachment training or on-the-job training with the assistance of their case managers.

Can I join YETP again after expiry of my basic service period?

After expiry of your basic service period, if you are still aged between 15 to 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below, and are not at the time receiving extended case management services, you are welcome to apply for YETP again by submitting an application form to the Programme Office.

What is "Extended Case Management Service"?

Trainees who have secured employment in the open job market or are receiving on-the-job training under YETP at the end of the basic service period may, in consultation with their case managers, receive extended case management services of a further 12 months. During the extended service period, trainees are not eligible to apply for workplace attachment training or on-the-job training vacancies. If trainees would like to enrol in training courses, please ensure there is no time-clash with their on-the-job training and allow sufficient travelling time between workplaces and training venue.

How is the extended service period of case management services calculated?

The extended service period lasts for 12 months, commencing on the following day immediately after the expiry of the basic service period. For example, if your basic service period expires on 9 April 2024, your extended service period will commence on 10 April 2024 and end on 9 April 2025. The Programme Office will send you a notification letter on the extended services with the service period indicated.

Can I rejoin YETP while I am receiving extended case management services?

You must terminate the extended case management services through your case manager before you are eligible to enrol in YETP again.
You may submit a specified application form to the Programme Office through your case manager to terminate your extended case management services:

  • upon the completion of on-the-job training;
  • upon the early termination of on-the-job-training (provided that you have already notified the Programme Office of your termination date);
  • upon the termination of your job in the open market; or
  • owing to other relevant reasons (e.g. further studies).

Information for Service Providers : About Case Managers

What are the registration procedures for case managers?

Case managers are required to complete the following registration procedures before they can provide trainees with case management services:

  • submit via their respective organisations the completed "Registration Form For Case Manager" (Form C2b) to the Programme Office; and
  • attend the "Administrative Briefing for Service Providers" provided by the Programme Office or relevant training provided by other service providers so as to acquire a thorough understanding of the operation and aims of YETP, as well as the content and effectiveness of case management service.

How should service providers notify YETP about the changes in the service statuses of case managers?

If there is any change in the service status of a case manager (e.g. he/she resigns or no longer provides case management service of YETP), service provider is required to update the relevant information through the online system. A new case manager has to be assigned to all affected trainees before updating the status of the original case manager.

How should I fill in the training and career plan for a trainee if his job preference is not listed in the code table?

If the job chosen by the trainee is not listed in the code table, case manager can enter "N2000" and “OTH” as the industry code and job code respectively with the industry and job type further specified.

If the training activities for case managers organised by YETP during the programme year have already been completed, can a service provider proceed with the registration of new case managers when such need arises?

YETP office will duly take into account the manpower needs of service providers and handle the registration arrangement with flexibility. The service provider concerned should first complete and return the "Case Manager Registration Form" to the Programme Office. Meanwhile, service provider should provide internal training for preliminarily registered case managers to ensure that they have thorough understanding of YETP, as well as the role and responsibilities of being case managers. The latter should also be arranged to join in specific training activities together with other case managers.
Since general youth counseling is different from career counseling, YETP aims at establishing a professional team focusing on youth career counseling service. The purpose of the specific training activities is to enhance case managers’ understanding of career counseling under YETP and facilitate their delivery of appropriate case management services to trainees.

Training Courses

Information for Trainees : Training Courses of ERB

How many courses may I take?

For rules of enrolling in courses of ERB, please visit the website of ERB.

How can I enrol in courses?

Trainees may contact their case managers to select suitable training courses. Upon confirming trainees’ eligibility, case managers will assist trainees to complete the application form and submit the application to the training bodies of ERB on behalf of the trainees. The training bodies of ERB will send the reply slip of the form by fax or other written format to inform the case managers of the course application result.

Can I enrol in training courses of ERB during the extended service period of the YETP?

If you are engaged in on-the-job training during the extended service period, please ensure there is no time-clash with your on-the-job training and allow sufficient travelling time between workplaces and training venue before enrolling the course. Please contact the Programme Office at 2835 2062 for assistance in enrolling you in the related training courses.

What should I do if the class has been confirmed to commence and I find out that the basic service period would end before the class commencement date?

In this case, you should contact your case manager for assistance to re-join YETP and complete all the relevant procedures at least three working days before the class commencement date, including completing the initial screening and submitting your HKIC to the Programme Office. Please note that if you are ineligible to re-join YETP, you should contact training bodies of ERB for enquiry of course enrolment and eligibility to claim the Retraining Allowance under ERB.

Will ERB arrange trainees taking their training courses to go through any examination?

Some ERB training courses may assist YETP trainees to prepare for professional examinations. Subject to fulfillment of certain requirements, ERB will absorb related examination fees for trainees concerned. Please refer to the website of ERB for details.

Information for Trainees : Training Courses of the YETP

Why am I only required to choose a service provider on the application form? How can I enrol in training courses?

The Programme Office would assign you to a service provider for rendering case management services to you with reference to your choice of service provider and district on the application form, as well as the trainee capacity of the service provider of your choice. The service provider will arrange you a case manager who will conduct an initial screening with you.

Upon completion of initial screening, trainees may enrol in suitable training courses with the assistance of their case managers.

Can I enrol in training courses on my own?

Your case manager will introduce you to the objectives and various kinds of services of YETP; and assist you to formulate a suitable training and career plan. Your case manager will also discuss with you suitable training courses offered by YETP and assist you to enrol in the courses.

Do I need to go through any examinations when taking training courses under YETP?

Some pre-employment training courses may assist YETP trainees to prepare for professional examinations. If a trainee has attained an attendance rate of no less than 80%, service provider will within prescribed period refer trainees concerned to take professional examination. After taking the professional examination, trainees may apply through the training courses service provider for reimbursement of examination fees, subject to a ceiling of $1,800.

Is it difficult for trainees to get a job after completion of YETP? Will employers in the commercial sectors recognise our training?

After completion of the pre-employment training courses, trainees can participate in workplace attachment training which enables trainees to understand the actual working environment. Trainees can also participate in on-the-job training to enhance their working experience and job skills. In fact, many trainees with good performance during the workplace attachment training or on-the-job training have been offered employment. Besides, you may also produce the certificate of the training courses to the employers and introduce the training you participated. We believe it serves as a credit!

Information for Trainees : Training Allowance

Who is eligible to apply for training allowance under the YETP? How is the training allowance being calculated?

Eligible trainees who enrolled in a training course of ERB or the YETP via the Programme and obtained 80% attendance or above are entitled to apply for training allowance. Under the YETP, the amount of training allowance payable for “Youth Training Programme” courses of ERB is calculated at a rate of $121 per valid training day, while that for other ERB courses and the YETP courses is calculated at a rate of $241 per day (A whole-day course generally consists of two sessions while the amount of training allowance is $120.5 per valid training session. The attendance rate of evening courses is calculated on a class basis.). Training allowance is payable to actual valid training days / sessions.

How is the attendance rate calculated?

Different calculation basis of attendance rate is adopted for different courses. For enquiries, trainees may contact organisations hosting the courses concerned.

How to apply for training allowance under YETP?

Trainees must submit application for training allowance to your case management service provider within 1 month upon course completion. When submitting applications for training allowance, trainees must log-in YETP online system and verify if the attendance information is correct, submit a completed and duly signed form of “Application for Training Allowance” and present Hong Kong Identity Card and trainee card for verification.
If you have any questions with respect to your attendance record shown on the online system, or such information is still not available 14 days after the course completion date, depending on the type of the course, you should approach the service provider organising the training course of YETP or the Programme Office for enquiry.
To avoid double benefits, YETP trainees are not allowed to receive training allowance under YETP and retraining allowance under ERB concurrently.

When would the trainee be granted the training allowance?

The Programme Office advises case management service providers to make payment to eligible trainees as soon as possible, and in normal cases, within 6 weeks from the date of trainees’ application.

Information for Service Providers : Training Courses of ERB

How to ascertain the successful launching of training courses of ERB?

Service providers may contact training bodies of ERB for enquiries on whether the course can be successfully launched.

What should case managers do if trainees enrol in ERB training courses without informing them beforehand?

If trainees enrol in ERB training courses without informing their case managers beforehand and their case managers learn the concerned matter afterwards, the case managers should complete and submit the Supplementary Form 3 to inform the training bodies of ERB of the concerned situation and pass a copy of the Supplementary Form 3 to YETP (HK office) by fax at least three working days before the class commencement date.

What should case managers do if eligible young people would like to join the YETP after enrolling in training courses of ERB?

Eligible young people should submit application to the Programme as soon as possible if they would like to join the YETP after enrolling in training courses of ERB. Case managers should complete admission procedures, complete and submit the Supplementary Form 3 to inform the training bodies of ERB of the concerned situation and pass a copy of the Supplementary Form 3 to YETP (HK office) by fax at least three working days before the class commencement date.

What is the class arrangement in times of typhoon, post-super typhoon "extreme conditions" and rainstorm warning?

For the arrangement details of training courses of ERB, please visit the website of ERB or contact training bodies of ERB.

Information for Service Providers : Training Courses of the YETP

What are the criteria for issuing Certificate of Accomplishment?

Trainees with an attendance rate of at least 80% will be awarded the Certificate of Accomplishment.

What are the criteria for issuing Certification of Commendation?

Service providers may set their own standard, such as outstanding performance, 100% attendance, lending support to others, active participation, for issuing Certification of Commendation as far as the number of certificates issued does not exceed 20% of trainees attending the class and trainees receiving such certificates must attain at least 80% attendance. When a Certificate of Commendation is issued to a trainee, further issuance of the Certificate of Accomplishment is not necessary.

How should a trainee claim for compensation if he/she sustained injury from an accident during programme activities?

Insurance policies for personal accident and public liabilities have been procured to cover compensations arising out of and in the course of trainees’ participation in activities organised under YETP. If a trainee sustains injury caused by accidents when attending training course, the service provider should handle the case appropriately and inform the Programme Office as soon as practicable. Service provider should also remind the trainee concerned or the family member of the trainee to retain all relevant invoices of medical expenses for compensation claims.

What is the class arrangement in times of typhoon, post-super typhoon "extreme conditions" and rainstorm warning?

Please click here for the arrangement details.

Workplace Attachment Training

Information for Trainees : Workplace Attachment Training

Where and how can I apply for a 1-month workplace attachment training?

You may, or with the assistance of your case managers, search for suitable workplace attachment vacancies on YETP website. Once you identify suitable workplace attachment vacancies, please call our hotline at 2112 9932 (press 2-1-3) for registration.
For registration via hotline, you should provide the following information:

  • Trainee registration number or Hong Kong Identity Card number; and
  • workplace attachment vacancy number.
Please note that each trainee can only apply for 1 workplace attachment training at a time. In general, the Programme Office would not accept any request for changes once the registration is confirmed.

I have picked a workplace attachment place and registered with your office, will the host organisation contact me direct then?

The Programme Office will inform you of the details of the workplace attachment training by mail. Trainee should proceed to the host organisation by referring to the relevant information printed on the letter. If a meeting is required by the host organisation before the attachment, the meeting time and venue will be stated on the letter. Please bring your interview letter, Hong Kong Identification Card, educational qualification and employment record proof (if applicable) to the establishment at the appointed time for interview. The host organisation will inform us of the result and we will notify you by mail.

What are the consequences if I was absent from an orientation?

If you fail to attend orientation without prior notification to the Programme Office, you will be suspended from referral service. For resumption, please contact your case manager.

Will I obtain any certificates after I have completed workplace attachment training?

Yes. If you have completed the workplace attachment training and attained an attendance rate of 80% or above, you will receive a workplace attachment training certificate issued by the host organisation as a token of recognition.

How can I get a workplace attachment training allowance after completion of the workplace attachment training?

You can apply for a workplace attachment training allowance of $5,800 from the Programme Office through the host organisation if you have completed the training with an attendance rate of 80% or above. Your host organisation will submit the completed “Application for Workplace Attachment Training Allowance” together with your attendance record to the Programme Office. After verification of the information submitted, the Programme Office will arrange for the payment to be mailed to you by the Treasury via a crossed cheque. If you are under the age of 18 and thus not able to accept cheque payment, you are required to complete the form “Authority for Payment to a Bank” and send it to the Programme Office together with a copy of the front page of your bankbook or a copy of your ATM card for arranging payment by bank transfer.

Would trainee with satisfactory performance during the attachment period become an employee of the host organisation upon completion of the workplace attachment training?

We highly recommend host organisations to employ trainees who have completed workplace attachment training so as to provide them with the opportunities of continuous training and development in the host organisations. In any event, the decision of employing individual trainee rests with the host organisation.

Information for Host Organisations : Workplace Attachment Training

If host organisations are interested in offering workplace attachment places, what should they do?

Host organisations are welcome to offer 1-month workplace attachment places!
Host organisations may download the "Provision of Workplace Attachment Places Form" (Please link to the application form in English.) from our website and return it to the YETP Office by fax (Fax no.: 2382 3121). Host organisations may also  submit your application online.
All offers of workplace attachment places will be scrutinized by the Programme Office and subject to approval.

Are there any restrictions on the type of workplace attachment places?

As trainees participating workplace attachment training are not employees and lack of working experience, host organisations shall take note of the following points in the arrangements of workplace attachment training for trainees:

  • Don't neglect the trainee’s needs at workplace;
  • Don't request the trainee to perform outdoor work alone.
  • Don't engage the trainee in over-demanding, hazardous (such as working at height, handling dangerous goods and chemicals, and operating heavy machinery), illegal or unethical tasks;
  • Don't assign the trainee to work in construction sites; and
  • Don't ever let the trainee work outside Hong Kong.

Are there any restrictions on the working hours of the workplace attachment training?

Host organisations may arrange attachment hours of trainees to suit the operation needs, but shall follow the arrangements as follows:

  • 4 to 5 working days per week;
  • working hours should be within 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m;
  • 6 to 8 working hours per day (excluding meal break); and
  • not less than 30 working hours per week.

Is it possible to extend the 1-month workplace attachment training period or offer employment to well-performed trainee during the training?

Every trainee is allowed to undergo 1-month workplace attachment training in every host organisation once only. Host organisations are encouraged to offer an employment to well-performed trainees through YETP’s on-the-job training for 6 to 12 months, so as to provide them with the opportunities of continuous training and development in the organisations. Please contact your account managers direct or click  here   for details.

What is the role of a mentor?

Host organisations shall assign at least one current employee as the trainee’s mentor. Mentors should guide trainees on their daily work, assess trainees’ performance, and provide appropriate counselling where necessary. Besides, the role of mentor also includes:

  • to assist trainees to familiarise themselves with the working environment;
  • to guide trainees to build up good relationships with colleagues;
  • to guide trainees to handle difficulties at work;
  • to teach trainees relevant job skills and use of facilities at workplace; and
  • to assist trainees to understand the company culture and working regulations.

Can host organisation offer extra incentives to the trainee?

There is no employment relationship between the host organisations and the trainees during workplace attachment training. And thus, host organisations are not required to offer salary/ workplace attachment allowance to the trainees. Nevertheless, host organisations may still consider subsidising trainees’ transport and meal expenses on a reimbursement basis as an incentive.

How should host organisations apply for the workplace attachment allowance for trainees?

YETP will offer a workplace attachment allowance to trainees who have completed the workplace attachment training with an attendance rate of 80% or above. The trainees should fill in the "Application for Workplace Attachment Training Allowance" with the host organisations. The host organisations should then send the original copy of the form with copy of trainee’s attendance record to YETP (Kowloon Office) (Address: 9/F., Kowloon East Government Offices, 12 Lei Yue Mun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon) within 1 week after completion of the workplace attachment training.
Host organisations should make photocopies of the relevant documents for record purposes and future reference.

How to calculate the trainee's attachment attendance? If the trainee is absent due to illness, what should the host organisation do?

The no. of attachment days the trainee has attended
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
The no. of attachment days agreed by the Programme Office
X 100%

Example: During the 4 weeks of 1-month workplace attachment training period, trainees are required to attend the attachment for not more than 5 days per week. The number of attachment days agreed by the Programme Office is 20 and the trainee has attended 18 attachment days, the actual attendance should be 90%.
Principles of counting trainees' sick leave days for calculating the attendance rate:

  • If trainees' absence is due to illness, they will be regarded as "absent" on such sick leave days if no medical certificate(s) is/are provided.
  • Nevertheless, if trainees can provide medical certificates issued by registered medical practitioners, registered Chinese medicine practitioners or registered dentists, they will be regarded as "present" on such sick leave days as long as the total sick leave days (with valid medical certificates) during the entire attachment period does not exceed 40% of the total attachment days. Trainees will be regarded as "absent" on any sick leave days in excess of 40% of the total attachment days.
  • Example:
    • Total attachment days = 20 days
    • Sick leave days with sick leave certificate(s) = 9 days
    • 40% of the total attachment days: 20 days x 40% = 8 days
    • ∴ Number of sick leave days which will be counted as absent days = 9 days - 8 days = 1 day
    • Attendance rate of the trainee = (20-1) days / 20 days x 100% = 95%
    • Since the attendance rate is higher than 80%, the trainee is entitled to the Workplace Attachment Training Allowance.
  • Host organisations should keep the sick leave certificates submitted by trainees for records.

The host organisation should maintain a full set of attendance record of each trainee during workplace attachment training. When returning the completed "Application Form for Workplace Attachment Allowance", the host organisation should also submit the copy of "Attendance Record of Trainee under Workplace Attachment Training" to YETP(Kowloon Office).

If the trainee is absent without notification, what should the host organisation do?

The host organisation may first contact the trainee and his/her case manager who provides counselling service, to understand the reason of absence and to confirm whether the trainee will continue participating in the workplace attachment training. The host organisation may also contact the assigned account manager for follow-up.

On-the-job Training

Information for Trainees : Application for On-the-job Training Vacancy

How can I apply for on-the-job training vacancy?

In general, on-the-job training vacancy information will be posted on  YETP website. You may choose suitable on-the-job training vacancies on your own or seek assistance from your case manager. You may then apply for the selected on-the-job training vacancies online or call our hotline 2112 9932 (press 2-1-2) for registration.

How does the Programme Office handle my applications for on-the-job training vacancies submitted online or over-phone? Will the employers contact me direct?

In general, upon receipt of your registration of on-the-job training vacancies, the Programme Office will arrange interviews or submission of trainees' resumes with the employers. The Programme Office will notify you via phone or email of the progress within 4 working days.
Your applications will be considered by respective employers after you have submitted resume. The employers may contact you direct or through the Programme Office for interview arrangement or application results.
You may contact our hotline 2112 9932 for enquiry if you receive no notification after you have applied for a training vacancy over 4 working days. For details, please refer to " Trainees' Handbook" or " Application Procedure" of YETP website.

Are there any restrictions on the number of training vacancies applied by trainees?

Each trainee may apply for a maximum of 4 on-the-job training vacancies for every 4 days.

If I cannot attend the interview as scheduled, what should I do?

If you cannot attend or would like to cancel the interview, you should inform the responsible account manager or call our hotline 2112 9932 (press 2-1-2) as soon as possible. We would try to liaise with the employer concerned to rearrange the interview for you. However, the employer has the final decision on whether to offer such arrangement and you may risk losing the job interview opportunity.
You should consider carefully if the post and interview time are suitable before accepting the job interview arrangement. Please regard the interview opportunities seriously and do not give up easily. Prior to the job interview, trainees should find out the detailed job requirements, the place of interview and the traffic arrangements. For enquiry, you may contact your case manager or the Programme Office.
Attention: The Programme Office will suspend your job referral for 4 weeks if you have a record of failing to attend job interview thrice. Your case manager will be notified of the suspension by email so that he/she can provide necessary support services.

Is there any testimonial to certify trainees' completion of on-the-job training? Moreover, is it possible for a trainee to have further employment after the on-the-job training period?

Upon completion of on-the-job training, your employer will issue a testimonial to you certifying your skills/qualifications and the period of on-the-job training. Moreover, depending on the requirements of different industries, trainees may acquire professional qualification in their respective industry by taking the off-the-job vocational training course and thus, enriching their personal profile. Employers will consider offering further employment opportunities to trainees with good performance subject to vacancy availability. In any event, the decision of further employing individual trainee rests with the employer.

Will the Programme Office inform the case managers of the job referral progress of the trainees?

Yes. Once the job application and the details on job referral are confirmed, the case manager of the trainee concerned will receive an email notification of trainee’s referral progress to ensure that he/she can assist the trainee to prepare for different stages. Certainly, you may seek the advice from case manager in searching for appropriate on-the-job training vacancies.

Information for Trainees : Off-the-job Vocational Training Courses

What are "Off-the-job Vocational Training Courses/Examinations"?

In order to enhance vocational skills and knowledge of trainees, YETP subsidies trainees receiving on-the-job training to enrol in/apply for relevant off-the-job vocational training courses/examinations. The off-the-job vocational training courses/examinations trainees enrol in/apply for must be relevant to the on-the-job training, and the course/examination concerned must be open to public and provided by a legitimate organisation with assessment elements. Trainees should read the notes on "Application Form for Off-the-job Vocational Training Courses/Examinations" carefully when making the application.

Can I apply for off-the-job vocational training course/examination and reimbursement before I am engaged in a placement of on-the-job training?

No, sorry.

What should I do if I am late in submitting the application and the course/examination is about to start?

It is still acceptable if you submit the application in less than 2 weeks' time, but you must submit the application prior to the commencement of the course/examination. Under such circumstances, we cannot guarantee that you would be timely informed of the result of application before the course/examination commences. In other words, you will not be able to reimburse the course/examination fees paid in case your application is ultimately rejected.

Can I still apply for reimbursement of off-the-job vocational training course if the training course will last beyond the on-the-job training period?

Yes, but you must be undergoing an on-the job training when the course commences.

Is there any limit for the reimbursement? Can I apply for more than one off-the-job vocational training course?

Yes, but all the courses/examinations taken must be related to the on-the-job training and the maximum sum of reimbursement you can receive per each placement of on-the-job training is $4,000.

What is the procedure of applying for the reimbursement of off-the-job vocational training course/examination?

You should complete and submit Part I of “Application Form for Off-the-job Vocational Training Courses/Examinations” (“the application form”) to YETP (Kowloon Office) at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course/examination. If the course/examination organisation is not a training institute on the list of the Education Bureau or the Continuing Education Fund, you must first consult the case manager, and the case manager should complete Part 1(B) of the application form before submitting it to the Programme Office. The Programme Office will inform you by phone whether the application has been approved in principle and send you the confirmation notice (i.e. Part 1 and Part 2 of the application form) by mail.

If you have obtained approval in principle from the Programme Office and attained a course attendance rate of 90% or above, or successfully passed the examination/assessment or acquired the respective qualifications, you may complete and submit to the Programme Office Part III of the application form, together with a copy of the certificate of relevant qualifications/pass of examination, or proof of attendance issued by the course organisation (or the original copy of Part 4 of the application form completed by the course organisation to specify your course attendance rate), as well as the original receipt of the course/examination fees, to apply for the reimbursement. Subject to the verification of the information and documents submitted, you will be reimbursed off-the-job vocational training course/examination fees up to $4,000 for each on-the-job training placement. You are required to submit application for reimbursement of training course/examination fees within 6 months after completion of the course or acquiring the relevant qualification/certificate. Late application will not be entertained. For details, please refer to "Application Form for Off-the-job Vocational Training Courses/Examinations" .

Will you notify my employer of my application for off-the-job vocational training courses/examinations? What information will be provided to my employers (e.g. my course/examination schedule)?

We may inform and consult your employer about your application. Results of the application together with Part 1 of your application form with details of name of course/exam, date and time of course/exam, etc. will also be sent to your employer and case manager by fax for information.

Information for Employers : Application Requirement

Does YETP have any restrictions on the participation of particular kind of industry or nature of job vacancy?

There is no restriction on the participation of any industries, nor the nature of job vacancies under YETP. The basic requirements of YETP would be met if employers can offer suitable on-the-job training vacancies which are lawful and moral with sufficient training elements for the acquisition of vocational skills. Also, the vacancies should not involve hazardous work environment and be suitable for training the young people's vocational skills and enhancing their working experience. When employers offer to provide on-the-job training vacancies, they should ensure that the job duties of vacancies do not violate the “Apprenticeship Ordinance” or the Hong Kong Laws. Please click here for relevant requirements.

Would YETP accept part-time job as on-the-job training vacancies?

Employers are welcome to provide part-time vacancies for widened work opportunities for trainees. Job vacancies with working hours of 18 to less than 30 hours are defined as part-time job. All job vacancies submitted to YETP will be vetted by the Programme Office based on the employment terms and conditions, the job nature and the training element of the post.

Would YETP accept job vacancies having less than 6 months’ on-the-job training period?

YETP aims to enhance the employability of young people in terms of work experience and job skills through the provision of 6 to 12 months' on-the-job training. When employers submit on-the-job training vacancies to YETP, there should be a training plan consists of 6 to 12 months' on-the-job training period in order to comply with our requirements.
Apart from offering on-the-job training vacancies, employers are welcome to join the workplace attachment training programme under the YETP. Please click  here   for details.

What wage rates should I set for the on-the-job training vacancies?

The wages of trainees must be commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the job and comparable to the market rates and wages of similar on-the-job training posts under the YETP.
In any case, employers should comply with the requirements stipulated in the Minimum Wage Ordinance of which wages payable to trainees being placed in on-the-job training vacancies under the YETP, to whom the Ordinance applies, in respect of any wage period should be no less than the statutory minimum wage rate. The Programme Office shall not accept any on-the-job training vacancies of which the wages offered do not meet the statutory minimum wage rate.

Information for Employers : About YETP and the trainees

Is there any pre-employment training provided for trainees?

Trainees may enrol in training courses of ERB or the YETP with the assistance of their case managers to enhance their job-specific skills. Each trainee will be assigned with a case manager to offer career counselling and support services to trainees during the whole on-the-job training period.

Can employers refer their staff to join YETP and enjoy the services under YETP?

No. Employers have to select candidates from the registered trainees referred by the Programme Office to undergo the on-the-job training.

Can employers specify the completion of a particular course as a criterion for selecting trainees?

Since YETP aims to provide on-the-job training opportunities for young people in helping them to gain work experience and to enhance their vocational skills, we suggest that employers should avoid setting unnecessary requirements when participating YETP.

What are the benefits of employers joining YETP?

Employers are entitled to a monthly on-the-job training allowance of a maximum sum of $5,000 for each trainee engaged during the on-the-job training period (12 months at maximum). The Programme Office will provide participating employers with comprehensive support services which include assisting employers in drafting employment terms, and referring trainees to employers for selection. A “Service Station for Mentors ” is available in the YETP website which provides useful information to mentors. Case managers and the Programme Office together will provide employers and trainees of YETP with support and follow-up services in the job matching and trainee selection process.
Moreover, training up staff as mentors will help strengthen the corporate training culture and put on-the-job training within the organisation in a systematic manner. Employers’ efforts in nurturing young people through participating YETP are conducive to enhancing the quality of local human resources. This, in turn, helps promote a positive image for the companies.

What are the roles of employers?

Employers shall provide on-the-job training vacancies which possess skill requirements by offering 6 to 12 months on-the-job training to YETP trainees. Employers who engage trainees as direct employees for on-the-job training must provide trainees with suitable on-the-job training opportunities and a safe working environment. They shall also appoint mentors to guide the trainees throughout the on-the-job training period and assist mentors in formulating suitable training plans for the trainees. The Programme Office and the trainees' case managers will keep in touch with the employers and the trainees and providing them with the necessary support.
Apart from providing trainees with on-the-job training, employers are required to allow trainees to attend relevant off-the-job vocational training courses / examinations so that they can acquire further vocational skills. Employers must not deduct trainees' wages when the trainees attend such courses / examinations.

How to draw up the on-job-training plan for trainees?

On-the-job training plans vary with different posts and the culture of different industries and organisations/companies.
Training and experience weigh equally in YETP. With a view to enhancing trainees' experience and vocational skills, the training may take different forms such as training in progressive stages or more intensive at early stages; training followed by practices; or job rotation through which trainees may perform different duties.

Is employer required to let trainee attend off-the-job vocational training courses/examinations? Does trainee need prior approval from the Programme Office for the courses/examinations?

If a trainee wishes to enroll in any off-the-job vocational training courses/examinations and apply for reimbursement, the courses/examinations to be taken must be related to the on-the-job training being engaged. Trainee must submit application to the Programme Office at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the course/examination. Employer must also allow trainee to attend off-the-job vocational training course/examination which is approved in principle by the Programme Office.

Information for Employers : Application Procedure and Trainee Selection

What is the application procedure if employers are interested in offering on-the-job training vacancies under YETP?

Employers can download the On-the-job Training Vacancy Registration Form from our website or obtain the form by calling our hotline at 2112 9932 (press 2-2-1). Please click  here   for details.

Can employers select trainees?

Yes. The Programme Office will upload approved on-the-job training vacancies to YETP website for eligible trainees to apply. The Programme Office will also introduce suitable on-the-job vacancies to trainees. If trainees apply or accept the on-the-job training vacancies introduced by the Programme Office, the Programme Office will either arrange interviews or provide trainees’ resumes for employers in accordance with the referral arrangement as agreed by employers at the time of registration. If employers consider trainees are suitable after receiving their resumes, they may contact the trainees direct or through the Programme Office to arrange interview or other recruitment procedures.

Information for Employers : About Employment Contract

Are the employers required to devise employment contract and take out employees' compensation insurance policy, etc., for trainees?

Trainees should be engaged as employees with employer-employee relationship during the on-the-job training period under YETP. The employer is required to take out employees’ compensation insurance for employed trainees under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and arrange employed trainees who are covered by the MPF system to join registered MPF schemes as required by the Mandatory Provident Fund Ordinance. The employer shall observe the Employment Ordinance, the Minimum Wage Ordinance and other relevant Regulations. The Programme Office advises employers to draw up written employment contract with trainees so as to avoid unnecessary disputes. Sample of Employment Contract prepared by the Labour Department may be provided for easy reference of employers if needed. The Programme Office will also assist employers in drawing up employment terms and conditions, job duties and training plan.

If employment ends in the course of the on-the-job training period, can employer still apply for on-the-job training allowance?

In the event of the service period on which employers apply for on-the-job training allowance not amounting to a whole month, the on-the-job training allowance will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Can employers displace existing staff with YETP trainees?

Participating employers shall undertake not to displace existing staff with trainees during the on-the-job training period.

Can employers exercise pre-mature termination of employment contract before the conclusion of training period if they consider the performance of the trainees concerned unsatisfactory?

Employers or mentors may directly approach trainees’ case managers if they consider the trainee’s performance during the on-the-job training period unsatisfactory. Case managers will counsel trainees and help them to solve the problems. The names, organisations and contact telephone numbers of case managers are listed in the letter “Confirmation of the on-the-job training arrangements”. Employers may also seek assistance from their account managers of the Programme Office.
When terminating employment contract, employers or trainees shall inform the other party in accordance with the notice period or by wages in lieu of notice stipulated in the employment contract and all related arrangements comply with relevant legislations.
If employers or trainees propose pre-mature termination of employment contract before the conclusion of on-the-job training period, employers shall notify the Programme Office as soon as possible to confirm the termination date of on-the-job training.

Information for Employers : Application of On-the-job Training Allowance and Other Arrangements

How to apply for on-the-job training allowance?

Employers may claim on-the-job training allowance either once every 3 months or after the trainee has completed the on-the-job training by following the application procedures set out by the Programme Office and submitting the “Application Form of On-the-job Training Allowance” as well as the “Salary and Training Record of Trainee”.

If the employer is an educational institution, can the employer charge the trainees for any cost for providing on-the-job/off-the-job training to the trainees?

Generally speaking, employer is not allowed to charge trainees for any cost for on-the-job training/off-the-job vocational training provided.

What should be the arrangement upon the conclusion of on-the-job training period?

Employers should award the testimonial of on-the-job training specifying their skill/qualification attained and the period of on-the-job training to trainees upon the conclusion of training period. The testimonial will be provided by the Programme Office. Extension of employment to trainees who have completed the on-the-job training with satisfactory performance is strongly recommended. Employers may negotiate the employment terms and conditions with trainees direct if employers decide to extend employment of the trainees concerned.
Please note that on-the-job training period is not necessary equivalent to the employment contract period. If an employer would like to terminate the employment of a trainee upon the completion of on-the-job training period, the employer should give the trainee due notice or wages in lieu of notice according to the length of notice period stipulated in the employment contract.

Labour Legislation and Other Enquiries

Labour Legislation and Other Enquiries

I would like to know more about labour legislation, matters relating to occupational safety and insurance policies of employees' compensation. How can I get such information?

You may click  here   and browse the information on the Employment Ordinance, the Minimum Wage Ordinance, the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance from the hompage of the Labour Department. For enquiry, please call 2717 1771 (The hotline is handled by the “1823”)

Do trainees need to contribute MPF when they are engaged in an on-the-job training?

There is an employment relationship between employer and trainee after a trainee has been engaged as an employee during the on-the-job training period. Except for exempt persons, employers are required to enrol their employees who are at least 18 but under 65 years of age and have been employed in any industry for a continuous period of 60 days or more in MPF schemes. Employers and employees who are covered by the MPF System are each required to make regular mandatory contributions calculated at 5% of the employee’s relevant income to an MPF scheme, subject to the minimum and maximum relevant income levels. For a monthly-paid employee, the minimum relevant income level is $7,100. For further information, please contact the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority by the following means:
Website : www.mpfa.org.hk
Hotline : 2918 0102
Fax : 2259 8806

What are the differences between YETP and the Apprenticeship Training Scheme?

  YETP  Apprenticeship Training Scheme 
Organising Body Labour Department Vocational Training Council
Target Young people aged 15 - 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below Young people aged 14 to those aged below 19
Content One-stop and diversified pre-employment and on-the-job training, including:
  • Case Management Service (career orientation and support)
  • Training Courses
    • Training Courses of ERB
    • Training Courses of the YETP
  • 1-month Workplace Attachment Training
  • On-the-job training
    • On-the-job training of 6 to 12 months with salary
    • Off-the-job vocational training
  • 45 designated industries under the programme
  • 3 - 4 years of training provided by employer in general
  • Trainee will attend relevant training course organised by VTC at least once per week
Course fee
  • Free of charge
  • Paid by employer

How do I change my personal information?

Trainees may contact the Programme Office and the case manager when there is a need to change the personal information provided to YETP. Trainees may contact the Programme Office by our hotline 2112 9932, via email (enquiry@yes.labour.gov.hk), or by post. Please provide information like your trainee number and name etc. clearly for verification. Please click  here   for the address of the Programme Office.

Further Enquiries

Further Enquiries

For further enquiries, please email to the Programme Office : enquiry@yes.labour.gov.hk

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