At a time when Hong Kong’s construction sector is operating at full throttle, industry leaders are still looking for ways to entice more young people to join it.

Designed to raise the profile of the Hong Kong construction industry and provide an uptick in future labour supply, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) has selected 13 “Build Up Ambassadors” who have been chosen to boost interest in the construction industry among the younger generation.

CIC chairman Shing-see Lee says it is intended that over the long term, the Build Up Ambassadors scheme will attract people from different backgrounds to join the construction industry and enhance its cohesiveness.

According to the CIC, through publicity activities and sharing of personal stories, ambassadors will strive to improve the younger generation’s understanding and perception of the construction industry. With more than 40 per cent of construction workers registered with the council aged 50 or more, the industry is concerned that not enough young people are joining the sector to provide a pipeline for the future.

The 13 ambassadors include young people who share a passion for the construction industry – composed of both practitioners with several years of experience and trainees who are still taking, or have just completed, their training courses. Covering a wide range of disciplines, ambassadors include the founder of a construction company, a construction supervisor, a bar bender and fixer, and an assistant environmental officer.

Charles Wong, director of training and development at the CIC, says the selected ambassadors are not only determined to improve their skills and professional knowledge, but are also devoted to growing their careers in the industry and enhancing the image of construction employees.

“By presenting themselves as energetic, responsible and inspirational construction personnel, they will strive to promote the prospects of, and the career development in, the industry to the public,” Wong says.