To help retirees re-enter the workforce and bridge the shrinking proportion of those at prime working age, the Jockey Club Community Project Grant has provided over HK$5 million to The Hong Kong Society for the Aged (SAGE) to extend the Elder-Friendly Employment Practice (EFEP) for three years.
A key element of the project is the EFEP Job Expo, held today (24 July) at East Point City in Tseung Kwan O where some 40 organisations offered more than 4,000 job vacancies for those aged 50 or above. Officiating at the opening ceremony were Club Steward Dr Eric Li Ka-cheung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung and SAGE Chairman Dr Kim K W Mak.
Dr Eric Li noted that the Jockey Club had provided funding for SAGE to launch the EFEP in 2008. Following the success of the programme, which had attracted strong support from both corporate and elderly beneficiaries, it had now extended funding for a further three years. Through today’s Job Expo, he hoped the employers would be encouraged to provide more opportunities for the elderly to return to the workforce.
Dr Mak said that the establishment of the resources centre and mutual support group would create a platform for mature and elderly people to share their job knowledge and provide employment consulting services, retirement planning and other volunteer services, offering an adequate supply of employees for the community.
On offer at the Job Expo were vacancies such as healthcare personnel, care workers, telephone interviewers, pastry chefs and event planners. Job-seekers could also attend career talks and check out educational courses and voluntary service opportunities offered at information booths, giving them a better understanding of the latest trends in the elderly job market and enabling them to find a job to suit their abilities and interests.
The EFEP project provides career counselling services, training programmes and volunteer services to empower those aged 50 or above to re-enter the job market or serve the community. In addition, an online platform (www.e72.hk) is now available for job matching between employers and retired professionals, which in turn will help encourage employers to consider the capabilities of the retirees and maintain a stable workforce.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Steward Dr Eric Li Ka-cheung hopes the employers will be encouraged to provide more opportunities for the elderly to return to the workforce through todaya£į?s job expo.
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(From left): Club Steward Dr Eric Li Ka-cheung joins Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung and SAGE Chairman Dr Kim K W Mak to launch online job search platform www.e72.hk.
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Photos 3/4/5/6:
Guests tour the EFEP Job Expo, which attracts near 3,000 visitors.
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