Civil service opening applications to undergraduates doesn’t mean compromising: Ingrid Yeung

Civil service opening job applications to third-year university undergraduates can offer a clear career prospect to teenagers and help familiarize themselves with the work environment, said Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan. 

The latest move was announced by Yeung yesterday, covering positions including Administrative Officer, Executive Officer II, Assistant Labour Officer II, Assistant Trade Officer II, Management Services Officer II and Transport Officer II. 

Students who have just completed their second year of study can apply for the jobs as well. 

Speaking on a radio program Friday morning, the civil service chief said the changes can allow students to focus on their study and better equip themselves. 

Students will also be able to shorten their adaptation period after joining the government for they will have familiarized themselves with the work environment already, Yeung added. 

Yeung continued that authorities won’t set any indicators on how many students they should recruit. She noted that disciplinary forces are also interested to follow in the footsteps of the civil service to recruit new blood and are mulling relevant details. 

The government’s lengthy recruitment process is to ensure fairness, but risks losing suitable candidates, Yeung said. 

Although students who reach certain standards will be granted a conditional offer under the new arrangements, Yeung pointed out that this doesn’t mean the government compromises and lowers the recruitment standards. 

She added similar recruitment arrangements are common among private companies and believed civil service jobs remain attractive in the market. 

Other people’s views on civil servants may not be facts, Yeung said, calling on students who have a heart to serve the city to join the government.