Retail Industry Training Information

Qualifications Framework (QF)

The QF is a seven level hierarchy covering qualifications in the academic, vocational and continuing education, which indicates the articulation ladders between different levels of qualifications.

In September 2010, the Government assisted the retail industry to set up its industry-specific training advisory committee (ITAC) to promote the QF in various ways with a view to building up a life-long learning environment for enhancing the competitiveness of retail employees. The Specification of Competency Standards and Progression Pathway, drawn up by the Retail ITAC and published in November 2013, sets out the competency standards required at various levels, i.e. the actual knowledge and skill requirements in different functional areas of the industry.

Vocational Training Council (VTC)

The VTC is the largest vocational education and training provider in Hong Kong. Supporting industries in their manpower development, VTC offers retail related programmes for secondary school leavers and in-service employees.

The "Earn & Learn" Pilot Scheme of VTC offers vocational education and training by integrating structured apprenticeship training programmes with clear career progression pathways to people with education attainment of Secondary 6 or above who are interested in joining the retail industry. Under the Pilot Scheme, the Government and participating industries will offer the apprentices an allowance and a guaranteed salary, such that the apprentices can earn a steady income while equipping themselves with knowledge and skills to pursue a promising career.

Employees Retraining Board (ERB)

ERB offers skills-based training courses to eligible employees of Hong Kong aged 15 or above, including full-time placement-tied courses for the unemployed and half-day or evening courses for both the unemployed and in-service workers. Training courses covering both general skills training on shop operation and management as well as product or service‐specific skills training are offered for the retail industry.

Diploma Yi Jin (DYJ) Programme

The DYJ Programme provides an alternative pathway for Secondary 6 school leavers and adult learners to obtain a formal qualification for employment and further study. In addition to basic core subjects, DYJ students are required to study one elective cluster comprising three subjects mainly of a practical nature. Retail‐related elective clusters/courses (Notes) are offered under the DYJ Programme.

(Notes: The academic year of the full-time DYJ Programme begins in early September each year. Please contact the DYJ provider institutions for details of the admission arrangement for both the full-time and part-time DYJ programme.)

Post-Secondary Education

Locally-accredited retail-related programmes are offered by various post-secondary institutions, including the School of Continuing Education of the Hong Kong Baptist University, the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong as well as the School of Professional Education and Executive Development of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.