Construction workers affected by scaffold ban get free skills training and cash allowances

The Construction Industry Council will launch a major retraining program next week to support thousands of workers whose jobs are disrupted by the government’s order to remove external scaffolding nets from major building repair projects.

In response to the Development Bureau’s safety directive, the CIC has joined forces with trade unions and training bodies to sharply increase places on its free “one-specialty-plus-multi-skills/technical upgrading” courses, complete with living allowances.

Workers can choose from various trades; after completing 50 to 106 hours of training and passing the assessment, those qualifying as registered semi-skilled workers will receive up to HK$14,000, while those reaching full skilled-worker status can collect up to HK$19,000.

The council has reserved 5,000 training places to meet demand. 

Enrollment opens Monday with the aim of helping affected workers upgrade their skills and secure their livelihoods.