HKPC Academy Launches the First Aviation Programme under Qualifications Framework Level 1 for Secondary Students to Cultivate Future Aviation Talent

(Hong Kong, 11 December 2023) In line with the HKSAR Government’s Policy Address 2023 to support Hong Kong's development as an International Aviation Hub and International Innovation and Technology Centre, HKPC Academy (the Academy) is committed to nurturing future talent for the aviation industry. Recently, the Academy launched the first “Foundation Certificate in Ground Operations and Aviation English" programme for local secondary students under Qualifications Framework (QF) Level 1, attracting an overwhelming response. The programme aims to promote aviation training in schools, enhance the recognition of industry training and cultivate talent for the aviation industry.

This programme is designed for secondary students with the aim of sparking their interests in the aviation field. The curriculum covers eight areas, including theoretical lectures and practical training. Through theoretical and experimental learning, students are able to gain an in-depth understanding of aviation concepts such as aircraft operations, maintenance procedures, and ground operations, etc. Students can even experience real-life scenarios and enhance their knowledge of aviation through advanced flight simulation technology. Moreover, the programme provides aviation English courses which can strengthen students’ communication abilities. The inaugural batch of students has successfully completed the programme and will be awarded a certificate that holds recognition from the QF, providing students a competitive edge when they embark on their future careers in the aviation industry.

Ms Karen FUNG, General Manager, InnoPrenuer and FutureSkills of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said, "The issue of global talent shortage is escalating. Aviation experts have projected a demand for 600,000 pilots and 610,000 aircraft maintenance technicians in the aviation industry from 2022 to 2041. This highlights the pressing need to address the industry’s manpower gap. The Academy is dedicated to promoting STEAM education and nurturing future talent by providing diverse STEAM aerospace training and aviation programmes, enhancing students' knowledge and interests in this field, and helping them to realise their aerospace dreams. Our FutureSkills programmes have received professional recognition from the ‘New Industrialisation and Technology Training Program’ (NITTP) and the QF, offering high-quality and high-recognised professional training for individuals interested in joining the aviation industry. We will continue to expand our efforts next year by offering QF Level 1 aviation programme in February, cultivating more talent for the industry.”

Mr Kai Yi KOO, a teacher at Chinese YMCA Secondary School who participated in the programme, said, "The programme not only deepens students' understanding of flight principles but also highlights the importance of collaboration among different roles in the aviation industry. After completing the programme, some students have even put their learning into practice by pursuing further studies in Australia to become pilots of small aircraft ."

Apart from the above QF courses, the Academy offers beginner to advanced-level aviation training programmes and organises “Aviation STEAM Day” and various activities, integrating aerospace technology into STEAM subjects in an interactive and fun way. The course is designed to introduce aviation theory and operational skills to primary and secondary students, allowing them to have early exposure to aviation from basic to advanced levels. The programmes are based on the pilot training programmes of Jeppesen, a subsidiary of Boeing, ensuring professionalism and practicality, to inspire more young people to pursue a career in the aviation industry. For more information on training courses, please visit: https://www.hkpcacademy.org/en/ or contact HKPC Academy at academy@hkpc.org.

For more information about the programmes, please refer to:
“Foundation Certificate in Ground Operations and Aviation English” programme: Register
Aviation STEAM Training Courses and Experience Day: Register

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The “Foundation Certificate in Ground Operations and Aviation English” programme is designed for secondary students with the aim of sparking their interests in the aviation field.

The inaugural batch of students has successfully completed the programme and will be awarded a certificate that holds recognition from the QF, providing students a competitive edge when they embark on their future careers in the aviation industry.