Construction sector takes step forward but more professionals badly needed

Nearly 127 nonlocal undergraduates have been imported to work in the construction industry, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho says as she warns of a manpower crunch of 6,000 professionals in the sector in the next few years.

Linn, on her weekly blog, said the bureau has been assisting the industry to go global by introducing overseas and mainland talent while guaranteeing local employment.

Since the second quarter of last year, the bureau and over 40 local construction firms have visited 10 mainland universities for recruitment.

Together with construction-related societies and chambers of commerce, the bureau held three recruitment sessions this year across three regions in the United Kingdom and introduced opportunities for Hong Kong's construction industry to 10 UK university students and young professionals.

A total of 127 nonlocal graduates have been hired and are currently working in Hong Kong.

Citing the Construction Industry Council's statistics, Linn said the industry currently has a shortage of 4,000 professionals, but this will swell to 6,000 in the next couple of years.

Construction firms have expressed concerns about the inadequacy of local manpower supplies.

Kuok Hoi-sang, chairman and managing director of Chevalier International Holdings, said his company hired 13 mainland graduates after finding it difficult to recruits locals.

"Every company hopes to have room for development, but in this room for development, it is not enough to have money," Kuok said. "The most important thing is to have talent."

Jenny Pong, people director of the East Asia Region at Arup, welcomed the administration's relaxed application requirements under its talent schemes and the expansion the talent list to 51 professions last year.

Companies can hire nonlocal professionals who have at least a bachelor's degree without explaining the reasons.

Pong added that the policies have helped her company hire overseas or mainland professionals faster and easier.

Assistant secretary for development Wong Chi-yung said the bureau, while importing foreign talent, will continue to work with local institutes to enhance the training of local students.

The Works Branch will also hold recruitment workshops at local universities, hoping to attract more young candidates to join the industry, Wong said.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com