Strengthening youth employment in Hong Kong

Via training, subsidies, and technology, we’re connecting young people with SME employers

Even international financial centres like Hong Kong suffer from youth employment issues. Ongoing challenges include:¹⁷

Hong Kong’s youth unemployment – like most of its regional counterparts – skyrocketed during the worst of the pandemic. In 2020, 15.5 per cent of those aged 15 to 24 were unemployed, almost double the year prior.¹⁸

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong, the effects of COVID-19 were equally disruptive. During the first two years of the pandemic, an estimated 22.3 per cent of SMEs laid off employees.¹⁹ While Hong Kong businesses are suffering the worst talent shortage in more than 15 years,²⁰ SMEs – which account for 98 per cent of enterprises in Hong Kong – are struggling the most.²¹^,²²

Futuremakers’ First Job project was launched in October 2020, in response to this backdrop. Funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation and implemented by local NGO partner St. James’ Settlement, this project helps graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure their first job, whilst at the same time supporting SMEs to create more opportunities in the wake of COVID-19.

For young people, the project offers training to improve their chances of securing a job and to boost their confidence, such as via interview and CV-development workshops. For SMEs, the project helps connect them to employment-ready youth and provides subsidies to support the hiring of these candidates.

Success story

Upon graduating, Gigi wanted to follow her passion for digital marketing, but she did not have the applicable education and experience. Lacking in confidence, she instead explored several unrelated jobs to earn money. Yet after enrolling in the Futuremakers’ First Job project, Gigi found a clear path. Via the project, she secured a placement with a local SME where she gained experience in digital marketing tools and working with customers. She now has a full-time job and is happy to be embarking on a fulfilling career.

Through this programme, I received more than just skills and job opportunities. I found support from inspiring individuals who helped me develop my career and explore exciting prospects.

Gigi
Hong Kong