Why CLAP-TECH Pathway

CLAP-TECH Pathway is largely based upon a learning paradigm first initiated by IBM in 2011, known as P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School), that has already been launched in 28 countries and regions, including Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States. The programme also draws heavily from CLAP@JC, a 5-year programme empowering Hong Kong youth to navigate their school-to-work journey through their career and life development (CLD) competence and an environment with supportive enablers and infrastructure. CLAP@JC’s CLD perspective has been blended with P-TECH’s key success factors – CLAP-TECH Pathway, to provide a fulfilling learning journey filled with not just skills training but also self-understanding and goal-setting for youth’s long-term success.

Identify career interests with clearer roadmap

CLD competences framework
- Engagement
- Self-understanding
- Career and pathway exploration
- Planning and career management
CLD benchmark for schools
Teacher capacity building on CLD
E-portal and online resources

Create pathway for success and self actualisation

Partnership between schools, university, and industry partners
Talent development progression pathway from mainstream school to work
Industry-recognised course content based on industry’s skill-mapping
“New Collar” approach
Workplace learning opportunities
First-in-line for available job interviews

Principle and Focus

I. Curricular tailored to industry needs

CLAP-TECH is jointly developed by a tripartite partnership of industry partners, secondary schools and HKBU – to ensure curricula delivered seamlessly matches workplace needs. Plus, pilot workshops facilitate specialisation among secondary school teachers while offering them a better grasp of industry needs.

II. A high degree of industry involvement

Partners take on key roles by providing valuable workplace exposure for example mentorships for students, on-site visits and placements, as well as contributing directly to curriculum development, ensuring skills conferred properly address industry shortfall. Selected industry partners also promise priority consideration of graduates for entry-level positions.

III. Life-Career guidance

Vocational and career development elements include personalised guidance to help students set life goals and career pathways, identify strengths and interests, and help them make informed decisions to future career paths.

VI. Through-train pathway

By integrating of vocational courses into existing secondary school curricular in the form of 3-year Applied Learning Courses leading up to HKDSE, and 2 more years of Higher Diploma Courses afterwards, the project offers more certainty for students in the form of a through-train pathway.