The graduate trainee programme at PCCW-HKT has an annual intake of 100 to 200 trainees, the majority of whom are local students, with some Hong Kong graduates from overseas universities and mainland Chinese who have graduated in Hong Kong.
In addition to keeping up to date on the latest trends in the fast-moving world of ICT, Rita Chu, vice-president, learning and talent development, says it is important for trainees to strike a balance between getting the most air time and being a good team player. “Those who can demonstrate their ability to grasp the overall team objective, articulate their views clearly and facilitate other team members to achieve the team objective together will definitely stand out.”
Held over one to two years, its development plan covers job skills, knowledge acquisition and personal effectiveness enhancement. “We offer comprehensive training programmes on products, technical knowledge and various topics related to personal effectiveness such as time management, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, customer experience management, business etiquette, presentation skills and leadership 101,” Chu says.
There is also the opportunity for organisational familiarisation, with assimilations, visits to different internal departments and meeting with external partners. Trainees will additionally be invited to attend regular networking events such as the Graduate Trainee Forum with the managing director and top management.
While most of its management trainees have engineering, IT, marketing or business degrees, Chu says the company is more interested in the long-term potential of the graduates than the qualifications they possess. “Our engineering and IT trainees will have the chance to obtain qualifications related to their professions during the trainee period, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA),” she says.
Upon completion of the programme, trainees are generally offered positions at supervisory level within the sales/customer service function or positions as functional experts to be accountable for individual project planning and execution within the engineering or IT function. “With our ‘promotion from within’ policy, as well as our leadership development programme for staff members with potential, we aim at developing our GTs into future functional leaders and business leaders,” Chu says.
PCCW-HKT embraces a culture of open communication and encourages staff at all levels to express their views and make suggestions, something Chu sees as key to sustaining the company’s prominent position within the ICT world.
“We are dedicated to cultivating an environment conducive to teamwork, so that our people can excel at their professions together. We provide employees with a nurturing environment and excellent development opportunities.”
Career Forum Oct 2017: Rising through the ranks at Abercrombie & Fitch
Leading US fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is looking for graduates to join its 10-week Manager In Training (MIT) programme, where prospective leaders of this multinational firm receive expert instruction on leadership and learn how to successfully run a retail business, says James Hinks, senior stores recruiter for Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
Focusing each week on a different aspect of running the business, the programme covers retail management essentials such as creating the best in-store experience, recruitment, diversity, HR, store operations and visual merchandising. To ensure they are making good progress, all MITs receive regular feedback from the store manager and district manager, and complete daily readings, exercises and weekly assessments.
“Graduates learn to manage all aspects of a store including presentation, staffing, leadership and store operations during training. They must successfully complete the MIT programme to be promoted to assistant manager,” Hinks says.
The retailer is a strong advocate of promoting from within, and hard-working graduates can expect swift career progression through the ranks, says Hinks. All district managers, regional managers and directors have gone through the programme.
Graduates from any study background are welcome to apply for the MIT programme, and while no retail experience is required, at least a year of experience in this field is preferred. Likewise, no supervisory or managerial experience is necessary, with all training completed during the 10-week course.
“The MIT role presents graduates with key responsibilities and the ability to lead a team straight from graduation, which is something unique. We provide hands- on experience on how to run a business,” Hinks says.
Career Forum Oct 2017: Opportunities for careers in Hong Kong’s Customs and Excise
The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) is responsible for protecting Hong Kong against smuggling and drug trafficking, collecting and protecting revenue on dutiable goods, and safeguarding intellectual property rights, consumer interests and legitimate trade. There are two basic entry ranks: Inspector of Customs and Excise and Customs Officer, says a spokesman for the C&ED’s Office of Training and Development.
Inspectors are responsible for leading and participating in operational or investigative activities, assisting in staff management and office administration and supervising officers under their charge. Customs Officers are the rank and file of the department.
The C&ED’s mandate is diversified and the department offers a wide range of jobs. Those applying for the post of Customs Inspector will be invited to sit a written examination, group discussion, leadership exercise and selection interview. Those applying for Customs Officer, meanwhile, are required to join a group discussion and a selection interview. “Candidates for both posts are also required to pass a physical fitness test, including standing long jump, threading, an isometric strength test and 800-metre run,” he adds.
To meet the manpower demand arising from the opening of new control points, the department has been actively carrying out a series of recruitment exercises, including a year-round Customs Officer recruitment exercise launched this October.
“Applications for the post of Customs Officer are now processed by the department all year round, making it possible for us to develop training and manpower planning in a flexible manner and making it more convenient for applicants,” the spokesman says.
Successful candidates will undergo residential training in the Customs and Excise Training School in Tuen Mun. The induction training for inspector lasts 24 weeks while prospective Customs Officer complete 15 weeks’ training. The department also offers training in supervisory skills and leadership specially designed for inspectorate trainees.
Upon successful completion of the induction training, a three-year probation period will follow, during which probationers will be posted to different formations for skill development.
The C&ED is dedicated to upholding the stability of the community. The spokesman says it is looking for competent people with a sense of mission, sound judgment, good communication skills and emotional control, which will enable them to cope with the challenges ahead and discharge duties in a professional manner.
