Education Award scheme unveiled

Applications are open until 31 August.

In a report, the Education Bureau announced the Award Scheme for Learning Experiences under the Qualifications Framework is open for applications from today until August 31.

The scheme encourages practitioners in 17 industries to engage in learning activities around the world, to broaden their horizons and develop networks with industry partners.

The Financial Secretary proposed in this year's Budget to allocate $10 million per year from the 2013-14 financial year onwards to help the Industry Training Advisory Committees launch new initiatives, including the award scheme.

Since the framework's launch five years ago, 19 industries have set up advisory committees, covering about 46% of the workforce in Hong Kong. Of these, 17 launched the award scheme in the current financial year.

Applicants should be Hong Kong residents and serving practitioners in their industries. They should have either successfully completed at least one Qualification Framework-recognised course or obtained at least one Recognition of Prior Learning qualification.

Each advisory committee will select no more than three award winners. Awardees engaging in learning activities in Hong Kong will receive an award of $10,000, while those engaging in learning activities outside Hong Kong will receive $30,000.