OREANDA-NEWS. July 26, 2012. CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) pioneers an integrated job training programme called “Energising My Future - A Career Inspiring Journey for Youth” to give jobless youngsters practical help towards joining the working world in an increasingly challenging employment market, reported the press-centre of CLP.

Piloted this summer in the Kwai Tsing district where unemployment is rated one of the highest in Hong Kong, the programme is designed to bring free skill training, short-term job placements and job referrals to 100 young people.

They are first being given training in communication skills, selling skills, work attitude and etiquette. CLP Power human resources specialists and volunteers will then give them expert training including job interview skill training and one-on-one mock interviews.

 The company will also join other social enterprises including restaurant and pet beauty salon to provide on-the-job training opportunities and mentoring. At CLP, a selected group of participants will be offered a job placement opportunity to help promote wise use of energy and the company’s online energy assessment tool “Eco Optimizer” to residential customers. This integrated training approach will give them a critical edge when it comes to finding work.

CLP Power Human Resources Director, Ms. Connie Lam, said, “Young people are the future of Hong Kong. We take pride in making meaningful contributions of our expertise to give them a head start in preparing for work. Underpinned by our long-term commitment to community care and youth development, this programme delivers on CLP’s corporate value by enhancing their job readiness, building confidence and exposing them to real-life workplace situations.”

 The Hong Kong Council of Social Service Business Director, Mr. Cliff CHOI Kim-Wah, said, “This pilot programme serves as a catalyst for more concerted efforts to address the challenge of youth employment. Working together with CLP and its volunteers, we hope to build an effective platform to help break barriers and open doors to ensure chances for upward mobility of young people.”

Youth unemployment is one of Hong Kong’s biggest challenges. It currently stands at around five times the average unemployment rate for Hong Kong, making it increasingly hard for school leavers to get a first foot on the career ladder. The programme is particularly timely, entering its second month as some 110,000 young people graduate into the jobs market when the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education results are released on 20 July.

Running from June to September, the intensive programme, co-organised with The Hong Kong Council of Social Service and supported by S.K.H Lady MacLehose Centre, is now open for applications. For enquiry, please call Carmen Tung on 2423-5042.