The HKD100 million Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (MATF) approved by the Legislative Council in January 2014 came into operation on 1 April 2014. In May 2019, HKD200 million was approved to be injected into the MATF to sustain and enhance existing training schemes and scholarships, as well for launching new initiatives for the maritime and aviation sectors. The aim of MATF is to build up in due course a vibrant, diversified and competitive pool of professionals and technical personnel to support Hong Kong’s future development in the two sectors.
The following are the aviation-related initiatives operating under the MATF:
The ProTERS aims to encourage aviation in-service practitioners to take courses offered by various academic institutions, professional or trade bodies, and to take part in professional examinations, so as to raise their professional competency and help them acquire relevant professional qualifications. Under the ProTERS, eligible applicants are refunded with 80% of the fees after completing pre-approved courses or examinations, subject to a cap of HKD30,000.
To encourage young people to choose specialised aircraft maintenance programmes and join the aircraft maintenance industry after graduation, the Refund Scheme provides extra financial incentive for those who have completed relevant programmes offered by the Vocational Training Council, namely the Higher Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering or the Diploma in Vocational Education (Aircraft Maintenance). Eligible applicants undertaking these programmes and joining the aircraft maintenance industry after graduation are refunded 50% of the total tuition fee, subject to a cap of HKD50,000.
The AOTIS provides minimum monthly salary of HKD7,000 and monthly incentive allowance of HKD2,000 during the placement period for a maximum of 12 months, as well as the study allowance of HKD24,000, to the eligible applicants undertaking the Diploma in Aviation Operations offered by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, and joining the aviation industry after graduation.
Through the tripartite collaboration among the Government, industries and academic institutions, the Internship Scheme (Aviation) gives the young generation early exposure to the wide spectrum of career opportunities in the aviation sector. Non-final year full-time local students studying undergraduate or sub-degree programmes offered by relevant education institutions and secondary six school leavers are eligible to apply. Under this scheme, participating companies are reimbursed monthly honorarium paid to interns up to 75% or HKD7,000 (whichever is lower) up to three months for an internship offered
To encourage continuous professional enhancement for the aviation sector, the Government will provide full scholarships, capped at about HKD100,000 each to selected students to complete aviation-related degree or higher degree programmes offered by Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and other institutions. Eligible applicants are required to complete the identified programme and undertake to work in the aviation sector in Hong Kong for a period of not less than twelve consecutive calendar months, within three calendar months upon graduation.
