Open Door Work Placement Programme
Empowering ethnic minority youth through career development
Proudly supported by Prudential Hong Kong Limited, the Open Door Work Placement Programme addresses the crucial need for career development opportunities among ethnic minority (EM) youths in Hong Kong.
In 2023, with support from Prudential and KELY Youth Advisory Council composed of local secondary school and university students, undertook the significant task of conducting the Ethnic Minority Youth Employment Survey. Survey findings revealed that over 80% of EM youth recognised the value of internships but faced barriers in accessing these opportunities, significantly impacting their mental health and career prospects. This insight has been instrumental in shaping the focus and structure of our programme.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prudential for their ongoing support and commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of these young individuals. Their contribution not only supports the logistical and financial aspects of the programme, but also enriches the developmental experiences of the participants.
Join us in supporting a brighter, more inclusive future for ethnic minority youths in Hong Kong.
About the Programme
The Open Door Work Placement Programme offers essential employment skills training and subsidised work placements in various industries, specifically tailored for upper secondary students, recent secondary school graduates, and university or college students from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The programme significantly enhances the employability and ambitions of ethnic minority youths, promoting mental wellbeing and social inclusion. It serves as a foundation for their successful future, helping them to overcome barriers, build connections, and discover their potential.
- Employment Skills Training
A mandatory 3-day session prepares participants (EM youths) with essential knowledge and practical skills for the workforce. - Subsidised Work Placements
Participants engage in a 4-week (160 hours) hands-on work placement, enhancing their understanding of professional environments and developing critical vocational skills. - Cultural Integration
The programme facilitates understanding and integration between EM youths and employers, promoting a culturally inclusive workplace.
- Successful Placements
In 2023, 20 students were provided placements at 10 different SMEs, gaining invaluable industry experience. - Cultural and Professional Exchange
The interaction between participants and SMEs has fostered greater mutual understanding and professional growth. - Strategic Insights
Insights from the Youth Employment Survey have directly influenced programme improvements and targeted support strategies.
2025 Programme Details
- Pre-employment Training and Employer / Youth Face-to-Face Interview | Mid-Jul 2025
- Interview and Placement Result Announcement | Mid-Jul 2025
- Four-Week (160 hours) Placement Period | Late Jul-Aug 2025
- Graduation Ceremony | Sep-Oct 2025
**The actual date will be released by end of May**
We welcome young students from the ethnic minority backgrounds who are aged 16 - 23. You could be from an upper secondary school, a recent secondary school graduate, or university/college student. Whether you are just starting out or looking to shift gears in your career, our programme is designed to help you take that next step.
Start your journey by submitting an online application!
For Students
Please click here for the application form. This is your chance to tell us about yourself and what you hope to achieve through your participation!
Registration Deadline: 20 June 2025 (Fri)
Specific eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Aged 16 - 23 from the ethnic minority backgrounds
- Able to speak, read and write in English
- Basic office applications including MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Available to attend the skills training, internship opportunity and other functions provided by KELY/Employer
Your enthusiasm and commitment are crucial. We seek participants who are eager to learn and ready to adapt to diverse work environments. Prior work experience is not necessary — we are more interested in your potential and your drive to succeed.
Employment Skills Training
A mandatory 2-day session that prepares participants (EM youths) with essential knowledge and practical skills for the workforce.
Subsidised Work Placements
Participants engage in a 4-week (160 hours) hands-on work placement, enhancing their understanding of professional environments and developing critical vocational skills.
Cultural Integration
The programme facilitates understanding and integration between EM youths and employers, promoting a culturally inclusive workplace.
In addition, KELY will pay a subsidy to youth who successfully complete the full 20 day/ 160 hours work placement, including attendance at all training sessions. The subsidy will be sponsored by Prudential.
Testimonials
Through this programme, I've enhanced my design skills significantly. During my placement, I had the opportunity to create various logos and posters and work on a PowerPoint presentation for our colleagues to use with their clients. Moreover, my communication skills have greatly improved. We conducted surveys and interviewed people on the street, exposing me to different communication styles and making me more adaptable.
I've also become more comfortable and confident in the workplace. Two weeks of experience allowed me to adapt better, so in the future, I won't feel as nervous during workplace outings. I'm more at ease because I've done it before. I've gained insights into how to communicate with senior colleagues and ask for help when needed.
I found the graduation ceremony quite valuable. It provided a deeper insight into the future and the various paths we can explore. The post-programme sharing was exceptionally useful because the guest speakers shared inspirational stories and advice that resonated with us, especially as we're just starting our journey. It gave us a clearer idea of what the future holds. Additionally, the guidance on resume building, interviews, and CV skills was beneficial, even though we had some prior knowledge, the insights shared by the guest experts were especially helpful.
Please refer to our press release.
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