Qualifications Framework for Testing and Certification Industry Consultation Forum

Today, I represented Hong Kong Society for Quality (HKSQ) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) to attend the consultation forum of Qualifications Framework for Testing and Certification Industry. I would like to share the forum below.



Firstly, Dr. Lo (VP – VTC) gave an opening speech. After that Mr. Patrick Pang (Chief Manager – Qualifications Framework Secretariat) introduced Qualifications Framework (QF) to us.

The Qualifications Framework (QF) has been officially launched on 5 May 2008. The QF is a cross-sectoral hierarchy covering both academic and vocational qualifications required by various industries. The QF is a hierarchy (7 levels) that orders and supports qualifications of academic, vocational and continuing education. To strengthen the industries' leading role in the development of vocational training so as to enhance the effectiveness of the latter, Specification of Competency Standards (SCSs) are formulated by the respective industries.

The scope of QF


The Education Bureau (EDB) is assisting various industries to set up their Industry Training Advisory Committees (ITACs) in stages, which consist of representatives from employers, employees and relevant professional bodies. So far, ITACs have been formed for thirteen industries, namely Printing & Publishing, Watch & Clock, Chinese Catering, Hairdressing, Property Management, Electrical & Mechanical Services, Jewellery, Information & Communications Technology, Automotive, Beauty, Logistics, Banking and Import & Export.

After established SCS, the training programmes and related qualifications will be recognized under the QF if they are quality assured by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ).

The first speaker for Testing and Certification Industry was Mr. W.K. Lee (Director, Castco Certification Services Limited) and his topic entitled “Testing, Inspection and Certification”. He shared the report information from Hong Kong Council of Testing and Certification (HKCTC).

He pointed out some challenges in the industry such as retention of talents, qualification recognition, etc. He expected QF to be a common platform for professional competence recognition.

After that Mr. Lee shared the experience of forming SCS in Jewellery Industry and Mr. Chu shared the experience of establishing QF in Electrical & Mechanical Services.

During Q&A session, HKSQ, HKICA and HKBU representatives had shared their views on QF in Testing and Certification industry.



We discussed that the professional competence recognition were not only in academic side (e.g. PhD) but also in the industry experience.

(I represented HKSQ & HKSTP to share some related information.)

For more information:
http://www.hkqf.gov.hk/guie/HKQF_intro.asp
http://www.hkqf.gov.hk/guie/RC_evt_20100520.asp