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Vocational Education in Hong Kong – There has been much talk in Hong Kong education circles in recent times about the need for work-related learning experiences for senior secondary students. While some students in International schools might do a week or two of ‘work experience’ during their school career, there is very little in the way of integrated, structured programmes which exist elsewhere. This in part may stem from the almost universal desire by Hong Kong students to attend university. The reality is though many students will not be able to achieve the necessary results to gain a university placement.

In support of the need for vocationally-based learning which articulates with school while providing credits towards workplace qualifications, the situation which exists in Australia is described. In Australia, almost half of all senior secondary students participate in some form of workplace training – gaining the participants credit which can be used in both a secondary school context and a tertiary one.

However, the situation in Hong Kong in terms of wages, salaries and study is very different to Australia. Many of the work placements Australian students join incorporate service industries such as retail training, hospitality or other entry level service roles.

In Hong Kong, many parents would not welcome training in such low paying jobs. Hong Kong universities are also unlikely to give credit for learning which involves these sectors.

Structured vocational learning is not necessarily something which can be adapted from one country to another. Vocational training is often a reflection of how a country values and pays its workers. The Australian model of workplace training reflects a very different philosophy towards labour and occupations in a country with a reasonably high minimum wage. It should not be believed that Hong Kong’s heavy reliance on an exam system of learning will embrace workplace learning. It should also be remembered that many students and parents aspire to a more professional role than these work-based learning programmes offer.

It is worth remembering that even though a tertiary education is one pathway to success in life it is not the only one.  A vocational education can open a rewarding and profitable career path for a young individual.  Many of the most successful people in Hong Kong started off in a vocational area.  For example Mr Stanley Ho began his work life on a construction site.