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In alignment with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s 2023 Policy Address, which underscores its commitment to bolstering Hong Kong’s standing as an International Aviation Hub and International Innovation and Technology Centre, the HKPC Academy (the Academy) has embarked on a mission to foster future talent for the aviation sector.
A recent milestone in this endeavour is the launch of the pioneering “Foundation Certificate in Ground Operations and Aviation English” programme, targeted at local secondary students within the Qualifications Framework (QF) Level 1.
This initiative has garnered significant enthusiasm, reflecting a strong interest in aviation training within schools, an effort poised to elevate the profile of industry training and shape the aviation workforce of tomorrow.
This programme is meticulously tailored for secondary students and strategically designed to ignite their passion for the aviation domain. Encompassing a comprehensive curriculum spanning eight areas, the programme seamlessly integrates theoretical instruction with hands-on training. The syllabus delves into fundamental aviation concepts, including aircraft operations, maintenance procedures, and ground operations. Leveraging advanced flight simulation technology, students gain practical experience in real-life scenarios, enriching their understanding of aviation intricacies.
Furthermore, the programme incorporates aviation English courses, equipping students with enhanced communication skills. The inaugural cohort has successfully completed the programme, earning a certificate that holds recognition from the QF, providing them with a competitive advantage as they embark on future careers within the aviation industry.
The General Manager of InnoPrenuer and FutureSkills at the Hong Kong Productivity Council underscores the escalating global talent shortage. Projections from aviation experts indicate a demand for 600,000 pilots and 610,000 aircraft maintenance technicians in the industry from 2022 to 2041, emphasising the critical need to address the manpower gap.
The Academy, with its dedication to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education, aims to address this challenge. By offering diverse STEAM aerospace training and aviation programmes, the Academy seeks to enhance students’ knowledge, cultivate their interests, and propel them towards realising their aerospace ambitions.
Notably, the FutureSkills programmes have received professional recognition from the ‘New Industrialisation and Technology Training Program’ (NITTP) and the QF, providing high-quality, highly recognised professional training for individuals aspiring to join the aviation industry. Plans are underway to expand these efforts in the upcoming year, with the introduction of a QF Level 1 aviation programme in February, aimed at nurturing even more talent for the industry.
A teacher at the Chinese YMCA Secondary School who actively participated in the programme, underscores its transformative impact. The programme not only deepens students’ comprehension of flight principles but also underscores the importance of collaboration among various roles in the aviation industry. Post-programme completion, some students have taken practical steps by pursuing further studies in Australia with the aspiration of becoming pilots of small aircraft.
Beyond the QF courses, the Academy offers a spectrum of aviation training programmes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. In addition, the Academy organises events such as “Aviation STEAM Day” and various interactive activities that seamlessly integrate aerospace technology into STEAM subjects.
These initiatives are designed to introduce aviation theory and operational skills to primary and secondary students, providing them with early exposure to aviation concepts at basic and advanced levels. Drawing inspiration from the pilot training programmes of Jeppesen, a subsidiary of Boeing, these courses prioritise professionalism and practicality, aiming to inspire a broader demographic of young individuals to pursue rewarding careers within the aviation industry.
