The technical institutes in Hong Kong 1969 to 1980 : a study of their development

This study explores the development of the technical institutes in Hong Kong,from the mid 1960s, when the first one was planned, to August 31, 1980, and places on record some of the experience gained in the process. The thesis includes a short history of technical education in Hong Kong and examines the rapidly changing industrial and social background, and the way in which it affected the technical institutes. The rate of development in student numbers and build up of staff has been rapid and these factors, together with the number of female students and the size of classes, are examined and comparisons are made with other countries such as Britain and Singapore. There have also been developments in Hong Kong in areas such as secondary education, higher education, apprenticeships, industrial-training centres, levy schemes, credit-units and handicapped students which, have affected the technical institutes and these too are examined. The different types and levels of courses are then reviewed and reasons are given why emphasis has been placed on part time day studies. This thesis goes on to examine the standard of education provided in the technical institutes. This is done by analysing attitudes towards technical education, by examining various surveys and by looking at other "indicators of excellence". These include the demand for student places and employment prospects; the views of educationalists, employers, students, parents and the general public; and the recognition of technical institute courses by overseas bodies. The study is reviewed in Chapter 7 and the general conclusion arrived at is that despite the very rapid development of the technical institutes they have provided a satisfactory standard of education which has risen over the years. The postscript (Chapter 8) looks briefly at important events which have taken place from the end of the period covered in this thesis to February 1982.