The construction industry is a major driving force for Hong Kong's economic growth and social development. Nearly 350,000 people are employed in the industry, which is 9% of the total workforce. It is estimated that the total construction expenditure will gradually increase to around HK$300 billion per annum. The demand for knowledge-based workers and professionals will be steadily increased.

The development of "Construction 2.0" leads the construction industry to reform by advocating "innovation", "professionalisation" and "revitalisation", so as to uplift the productivity and skill level of the sector. Wider use of I&T and Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) will also be promoted to shorten construction timeand enhance productivity as well assafety in construction sites. Notable MiC pilot projects included the transitional housing project at Nam Cheong 220, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation's InnoCell and the Married Quarters for the Fire Services Department at Pak Shing Kok in Tseung Kwan O.

Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) is a member organisation of the Construction Industry Council (CIC). A total of 29 qualifications are being recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF). They include 4 Advanced Diploma Programmes, 5 streams of Professional Diploma in Construction for Specialist Trades being recognised as QF Level 4, 10 streams of Diploma in Construction and 2 programmes for construction safety supervisors being recognised as QF Level 3, and 8 streams of Full-time Certificate in Construction being recognised as QF Level 2.

Hong Kong's construction industry is entering a golden decade. The government plans to launch a number of large-scale projects, including the "Northern Metropolis Development", "Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands", various public and private housing development and transportation infrastructure projects, etc. The total construction output is expected to reach HK$300 billion.

The implementation of "Construction 2.0" aims to improve productivity, quality, safety and environmental performance of the industry by advocating "Innovation", "Professionalisation" and "Revitalisation". In addition, a number of short-term, medium-term and long-term work projects are in progress, which will provide a wide range of job and development opportunities. For this reason, the construction industry of Hong Kong is in need of young, energetic talents who possess the latest knowledge and skills.

Our programmes are highly recognised by the construction companies and employers as the programmes are designed to meet the industry's needs. Not only did they support the "Contractors Sponsorship Scheme" and "Approved Technical Talents Training Programmes", they also provide job offers for suitable HKIC students before their graduation, so that the students could concentrate on their studies without the pressure on seeking employment. Our graduates are equipped with a solid theoretical and technical foundation, as well as practical experience gained from site practices, opening up a very promising career prospect.

The jobs in the construction industry cover a wide range of areas:

• Professional / Technologist e.g. Architect, Construction Manager, Building / Maintenance Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Structural Engineer, Building Services Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Safety Officer, etc.
• Technician e.g. Architectural Technician / Draughtsman, Assistant Safety Officer/Safety Supervisor, Construction Plant Technician, Site Foreman, Building Services and Engineering Supervisor, Clerk of Works, Works Supervisor, Project Coordinator, etc.
• Skilled Worker and Semi-skilled Worker in different trades like Bricklayer, Tiler, Plasterer, Joiner, Leveller, Painter & Decorator, Plumber, Bar-bender & Fixer, Carpenter (Formwork), General Welder, Plant and Equipment Operator, Repair and Maintenance Workers, etc.
• General Worker e.g. Chainman, Labourer, etc.