At the fore of the mass outmigration trend in Nigeria today, many are willing to pay any price to ‘Japa’ out of the country no matter the destination.
Japa is a novel term used by Nigerians to describe the outmigration trend of Nigerians into Europe and other parts of the world.
For such Nigerians, a window of opportunity is now opened for them to move over to Hong Kong and fulfil their educational and career goals.
Recently Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, launched a vocational professionals admission scheme (VPAS) offering young people from around the world, vocational and professional education and training to meet their career goals.
Read also: Hong Kong rolls out the red carpet for foreign talent, including Nigerians
According to Alaina Shum, the Vocational Training Council deputy executive director, VPAS welcomes non-local students to enrol in specifically designated full-time higher diploma programmes in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years, offered by the Vocational Training Council (VTC).
“English proficiency is a prerequisite for all higher diploma programmes, as English serves as the medium of instruction.
“To further support non-local students in their English Language development, VTC is launching an English Enhancement Programme, specifically designed to strengthen presentation skills, facilitate workplace discussions and expand workplace-related vocabulary.
“Our goal is to provide non-local students with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in a professional setting.”
In addition, Shum said; “We will provide training for our teaching facility and support services for students who require assistance. Depending on availability, VTC can offer accommodation at our dormitories, including the one in Tsing Yi district.”
She explained that graduates of the designated higher diploma programmes, regardless of their nationality, can apply for VPAS. “Successful applicants are eligible for a VPAS visa, permitting them to stay in Hong Kong for 12 months to actively pursue employment opportunities.
Within the VPAS framework, participants can seek an extension of their stay upon securing employment aligned with their academic specialisation.
During the initial four years of employment, VPAS participants are obliged to work in roles corresponding to their field of study,” she noted.
The deputy executive director further disclosed that upon completing seven consecutive years of residence in Hong Kong, which includes academic studies, job searching and a minimum of four years of full-time employment, VPAS participants become eligible to apply for permanent residency in the city of Hong Kong.
Besides, Shum highlighted the fact that VPAS applicants are required to possess senior secondary qualifications or their equivalent from their home countries.
“In addition, they must attain the required results in examinations that meet the entrance requirements for VTC’s higher diploma programmes.
Applicants for VPAS must hold senior secondary qualifications, such as SPM, STPM or UEC or their equivalent, from their home countries.
They must also achieve the necessary results in examinations that meet the entrance requirements for VTC’s higher diploma programmes,” she said.
Upon successful graduation, the graduates will receive internationally recognised qualifications, making them eligible to apply for employment opportunities in the city.
Currently, around 90 percent of the VTC’s higher diploma graduates are employed, with an average starting salary of about N3,000,000 ($2,000) a month.
Successful applicants will have a diverse array of 27 two-year higher diploma programmes to choose from. These include aviation, transport and logistics, maritime, innovation and technology, electrical and mechanical services, as well as building, civil engineering and built environment.
Shum reiterated that drawing on its robust industry networks, VTC is dedicated to aiding non-local students in securing employment.
“This commitment is realised through the facilitation of industry attachments, the organisation of regular recruitment talks and the provision of a job matching service.
“VTC’s experience in administering similar schemes, such as the apprenticeship scheme for local students, positions it well for this task,” Shum stressed.
She believes that the applied skills focus and optimal balance of theory and practice in the VTC higher diploma programmes make them particularly appealing to VPAS participants.
Shum highlights the opportunities these programmes offer for work-integrated learning, internships, and project-based learning, enabling students to gain practical experience and build networks. Most fundamentally, students can earn globally recognised qualifications.
“These scholarship opportunities underscore VTC’s dedication to recognising and rewarding exceptional achievements, fostering an environment where the pursuit of academic excellence is both encouraged and celebrated,” Shum said.
She continues, “I believe that VPAS holds immense appeal for many overseas youths who are eager to experience the vibrant city and diverse cultures of Hong Kong while immersing themselves in the globally recognised vocational and professional education that VTC offers.
“This education not only enriches their knowledge but also broadens their horizons in ways they might not have imagined. VPAS will unlock opportunities for internships, corporate attachments, and exchange programs, providing a valuable gateway not only to experience Hong Kong but also to gain a global perspective.”
The application portal closes on April 30, 2024, and interested applicants can apply via: https://ido.vtc.edu.hk/nls-admission/vpas.
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