Chat Time 45 the Best Path?

Chat Time 45 The best path?

With vocational training programmes and associate degree programmes, Hong Kong students are now offered more paths towards earning a degree. However, some students are still torn between starting work immediately after secondary school or furthering their studies even though they do not feel up to it. Alvin Au chose to start working, and his mother supported him. ‘My son had never been good at school. It took him nine years to complete secondary school, with a really bad result in the public exam. I didn’t force him to resit the exam or join other education programmes as I knew it wouldn’t do him any good. He started working right after the exam, as a salesman at a computer shop. He had been working there for two years when one day he told me he wanted to study part-time to get educational qualifications to work in digital electronics. For the first time in his life, he wanted to study,’ said Alvin’s mother. Alvin completed a part-time vocational programme on digital electronics last year and is now working in a computer company as a technical support officer.

Questions 1. For students with poor academic results, what are the advantages and disadvantages of furthering their studies? The benefits of furthering their studies are obvious. They can acquire more qualifications so that they can prepare themselves better for work. However, most of these students are unmotivated and it is a waste of time and money to further their studies. 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting work immediately after secondary school? Starting work immediately after secondary school can get a head start for a career you pursue and store up funds to pay for future education. But your career path is narrow since you lack experience and qualifications. 3. What do you plan to do after leaving secondary school? I will pursue my studies at university so that I can equip myself with adequate knowledge and skills to develop my career in future.

Individual Response 1. Do you think there are enough education programmes for students to choose in Hong Kong? There is a wide range of choices open to F.6 graduates. There are eight government- funded universities in Hong Kong which offer Associate and Bachelor's degrees. They and other institutions also offer post-secondary diplomas, certificates, and vocational training. 2. How important do you think tertiary education is? Tertiary education is the key to a better life. You may have improved career opportunities, receive higher pay, experience greater cultural awareness and have a life with more choices and possibilities. 3. What do you think about vocational training programmes? I personally believe that vocational training is as important as academic teaching in a school. Since some children are not gifted to learn academically, they can benefit from vocational training. The training can improve their job skills and employment outlook. 4. What is the possibility of enrolling on education programme later? It’s highly possible to enrol on education programmes later. There is a variety of continuing education and training courses for adults who aspire to learn and improve themselves. 5. Do you think people with good academic results will have a better career than those with bad results? Certainly, people with good academic results are more likely to get well-paid jobs and their promotion prospects are also better.