Open Door Work Placement Programme
Empowering ethnically diverse (ED) youth through career development
The Open Door Work Placement Programme is KELY’s flagship career-readiness initiative, dedicated to bridging the gap between ethnically diverse (ED) youth and Hong Kong’s professional landscape.
Recognizing that the transition from education to employment is a critical milestone, our 2026 model offers a strategic pathway for youth aged 18–24 to navigate their early career paths with confidence. Through a combination of research-backed training and real-world corporate experience, we empower youth to turn their potential into professional success and long-term employability.
Join us in supporting a brighter, more inclusive future for ethnically diverse youth in Hong Kong.
About the Programme
The Open Door Journey
We believe that every applicant who joins us should gain a competitive edge. Our selection process is designed as a multi-stage developmental journey:
Phase 1: Professional Training & Upskilling
Selected applicants are invited to our 2.5-day intensive preparatory training. This curriculum focuses on professional self-efficacy, CV and interview skills and workplace communication, skills that are essential in any industry.
Phase 2: Corporate Work Placements
From our trained cohort, a group of candidates will be matched with 6-week subsidised corporate internships. These youth receive hands-on experience and direct mentorship within Hong Kong’s diverse sectors.
Phase 3: Community & Extended Exposure
The journey doesn’t end with the internship. Participants remain part of the KELY ecosystem, with opportunities to engage in Job Shadowing or join our Youth Connector network. This ensures all participants stay connected to future career openings, peer support, and professional development events.
The Open Door programme significantly enhances the employability and career ambitions of ethnically diverse (ED) youth, fostering professional wellbeing and social inclusion. We serve as a vital foundation for future success, empowering youth to overcome systemic barriers, build high-value professional networks, and unlock their full potential in the global workforce.
- Professional Skills Training
A mandatory 2.5-day intensive session designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical "soft skills" required in today’s corporate environment. - Subsidised Work Placements
Youth engage in a 6-week professional placement, gaining hands-on experience that enhances their understanding of corporate structures and critical vocational competencies. - Inclusive Integration
The programme serves as a bridge, facilitating mutual understanding between ED youth and employers to promote a truly inclusive and culturally diverse workplace culture.
- Diverse Industry Placements
We have a proven track record of placing talented youth in a variety of sectors, from creative industries to corporate firms, providing invaluable real-world experience. - Strategic Professional Exchange
Our programme fosters a unique exchange where employers and participants grow together, building more inclusive recruitment practices across Hong Kong. - Research-Driven Strategy
We continuously evolve. Insights from our latest research and impact evaluations with academic partners directly influence our tailor-made training and targeted support strategies.
2026 Programme Details
We welcome ethnically diverse youth aged 18–24. Our programme is specifically designed for:
Recent secondary school graduates (F6)
Higher Diploma or Associate Degree students
University students and recent graduates
For Employers: We also welcome inclusive organizations ready to offer internship or work placement opportunities and champion diversity within their teams.
Age & Background: Aged 18–24 from an ethnically diverse background.
Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with basic office applications (e.g., MS Office Suite).
Availability: Must be available for the 2.5-day training and the subsequent 6-week internship period (July–August).
Your Drive Matters: Prior work experience is not necessary. We seek participants who are proactive, eager to learn, and ready to adapt. We value your potential and your commitment to professional growth.
High-Impact Training
Access a specialized curriculum that builds the "soft skills" and professional confidence that modern employers value most.
Real-World Corporate Exposure
The chance to gain a professional placement within leading industries, significantly strengthening your CV.
A Professional Safety Net
High-touch support through regular check-ups and mentorship from the KELY team during your placement to ensure you thrive.
Exclusive Networking
Entry into the Youth Connector ecosystem, a community of like-minded peers and industry professionals.
Financial Subsidy
A training and placement subsidy is provided to youth who successfully complete the full internship duration and all mandatory training modules.
Supporting Organisations: (By alphabetical order)
Discovery Bay Recreation Club Limited
Future Education Centre
Hong Kong Maritime Museum Limited
Hongkong International Terminals Limited
Human8 APAC Limited
IPG DXTRA (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Ipsos Asia Limited
Jebsen Group
Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong
Modern Dental Management Limited
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong
Oqq Solution Limited
PMA Marketing Consultancy Limited
Prudential Hong Kong Limited
Shakespeare4All Co. Ltd.
St. James Settlement - Green Ladies & Green Little
TBWA Hong Kong Limited
The Mira Hong Kong
CV Screening:
Morgan McKinley
Research Study:
The University of Hong Kong
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.
This internship programme has been invaluable in enhancing my understanding of the working industry. I gained insights into how companies and brands develop and execute projects, manage large teams, and maintain effective communication. Additionally, I learned the importance of thorough research and how it informs decision-making processes. This experience has not only deepened my research skills but also improved my discipline and time management. Overall, this internship has significantly contributed to my professional growth and prepared me for future challenges in the industry.
Through the internship, I gained valuable insights into event coordination, sponsorship research, and professional communication. I learned how much teamwork and planning go into creating successful public programmes, and I became more confident in handling tasks independently and reaching out to different stakeholders. This experience helped me grow from a student into someone more adaptable and professional. I am grateful to the Maritime Museum team for their guidance and support, and I will carry these skills forward into my future life.
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