DSE Students Eye Bright Future in Construction: HKIC's“WE BUILD GEN C”Paves the Way for Young Talent

Dr. Morgan YANG, Director of HKIC (2nd right) and other senior management together with students and graduates at the “ WE BUILD GEN C” sharing session held at the Hong Kong Institute of Construction.

As the release of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) results draws near next week, students and parents are actively exploring pathways that offer strong employability, practical skills, and promising career prospects. Against this backdrop, the Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) is positioning itself as an attractive and forward-looking option, especially for young people eager to enter a dynamic, technology-driven industry.

At a media briefing held at the Centre for Future Construction in HKIC's Kowloon Bay Campus on 7th July HKIC showcased its commitment to nurturing the next generation of construction talent. The event, themed“ WE BUILD GEN C” , highlighted how HKIC is aligning its programmes with the industry's shift towards digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Dr. Morgan YANG, Director of HKIC, outlined three core directions: digitalisation, intelligentisation, and professionalism.“ As the construction industry embraces digital transformation, the openness to new innovative technologies of the young generation gives them a distinct and competitive advantage in smart construction.” He particularly welcomed more female to join the industry, noting that their communications skills and attention to detail can better facilitate coordination in areas such as project management and quantity surveying.

Government-driven infrastructure projects continue to fuel demand for skilled professionals. HKIC's full-time Advanced Diploma, Diploma in Construction, and Certificate in Construction programmes deliver exceptional outcomes, with an employment rate of graduates from full-time programmes of one year or above consistently exceeding 95%. 

Many students receive job offers before completing their studies, backed by comprehensive lifelong career support services including“ Construction Mentorship Programme” which industry professionals serve as career mentors offer guidance and personal development support. This strong industry collaboration ensures graduates are highly valued and recognised by employers, with both employer satisfaction towards HKIC graduates and student satisfaction with the programmes reaching 97% in recent surveys. 

Rising Female Participation

A standout development is the growing number of female students at HKIC. Female enrolment has risen from approximately 11% in the 2024/25 academic year to about 19% this year, reflecting increasing recognition of the opportunities available to women in the construction industry. 

Ms. Rebecca CHOI, Assistant Director - Qualification and Quality Control of the HKIC, emphasised that technology advancements are reshaping the construction sector.“ Traditional reliance on physical labour is diminishing,” she explained.“ Our programmes equip students with smart tools and AI applications, creating an environment where attention to detail, communication skills, and project coordination — strengths often associated with women — are highly valued.”

The briefing featured inspiring personal stories from three young women who exemplify the transformation taking place within the construction industry. Angel CHAN, a second-year student in the Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering Supervision, transitioned to the construction sector after her initial studies in a Chinese medicine programme. Following the completion of a short certificate programme, she gained practical experience in interior fitting-out and is now applying digital technological skills such as AI and Building Information Modelling (BIM) in her studies. Through these experiences, she discovered a genuine passion for the industry.

Cherie HO, a first-year student in the Advanced Diploma in Building Services Supervision, was at first attracted by the HKIC's tuition-free programmes with training allowances. Having previously worked in sales with an unstable income, she wanted to seek a career with greater stability and long-term prospects. In HKIC, she found a clearer pathway and further successfully secured a sponsorship under the Contractors Sponsorship Scheme which provides additional subsidies and a structured route towards a professional career in the construction industry. She is currently undertaking a placement while exploring further studies.

Emily CHENG, a 2025 graduate of the Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering Supervision who is now working as an Assistant Foreman, demonstrates the versatility and potential of HKIC graduates. Known for her meticulousness and strong communication skills, she plays a key role in facilitating smooth collaboration on site. Outside work, she continues to pursue her Muay Thai at a high level, having won multiple gold belts and represented Hong Kong internationally. Her employer fully supports her dual commitments, demonstrating the industry's evolving inclusiveness.

With DSE results imminent, they offered practical advice for the students.“ Remain open to different opportunities,”  said CHENG.“ Maintain a positive mindset. As long as you are willing to learn, ask questions, and work hard, you can succeed.“ CHAN encouraged students not to fear hardship,“ Passion always makes the difference.”  They all added,“ Stay proactive, communicate boldly, and don't be shy.”

Clear Progression Career Paths

HKIC programmes offer structured pathways for further education and career advancement. Advanced Diploma graduates can apply to local and overseas universities such as RMIT University with substantial credit exemptions, often shortening degree completion time and reducing costs.

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