“The aviation sector needs more technicians”

The transport sector on Thursday called on the authorities to finalize the details of the outsourcing plan, especially for the aviation industry, as soon as possible.

Officials unveiled plans to recruit 10,000 skilled technicians over the next three years, but did not specify which job categories or occupations would be included.

It comes after Chief Executive John Lee predicted in a policy speech that Hong Kong would face a shortage of around 60,000 skilled workers in various sectors.

Vivienne Lau, chief executive of the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre, said her industry expects more than 6,000 vacancies over the next five years.

Lau said the need for mechanics and technicians will increase as the three-runway system is scheduled to open later this month.

“Now we are dealing with the technical side, technicians and mechanics. Because even though these categories were covered by the previous scheme (importation of manpower), we still think there is a problem in hiring these technical personnel because of their qualifications, the level of experience we need and sometimes the language is also our key factor,” she said.

Transport sector lawmaker Frankie Yeek, for his part, said the government should pay more attention to attracting workers from Southeast Asia.

“Especially for the aviation industry, if they need to communicate with the pilot, with other people at the airport, and they usually speak English. So (recruiting) from countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, I think that will be helpful,” he said.