The government plans to create 10,000 additional jobs for young people over two years, offering applicants without previous work experience a route into paid employment. The Graduate Employment Launch Scheme is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year, with 5,000 full-time positions available annually.
The positions will last at least six months and are open to people under 29, whatever their academic subject. The government will subsidise one-third of each participant’s salary, up to HK$6,000 a month, for a maximum of six months. Employers will cover the remaining two-thirds.
Chris Sun Yuk-han, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, said employers’ financial commitment and the six-month contract should ensure the roles involve genuine work and learning. He said the jobs should help businesses tackle practical problems while giving young people industry experience, professional contacts and stronger CVs. Large companies are among those taking part, and some employers have indicated that they may offer full-time contracts lasting longer than six months.
Sun said it was difficult to assess how much the scheme would affect youth unemployment. He also said the unemployment rate for 15-to-24-year-olds was 14.4% between June and August, involving approximately 22,300 people. Artificial intelligence was creating challenges for labour markets, with inexperienced graduates among those facing particular difficulty as employers adjust to the technology.
The Labour Department is expected to launch an online youth employment service alongside an AI job-matching tool. The planned services will help young people assess their interests and work experience, and identify vacancies across different occupations.