The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (“Towngas”) and Vocational Training Council (“VTC”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) on 15 Jan 2018 to launch the first Professional Diploma course in Gas Engineering. In order to sustain the development and to further the advancement of the gas industry, and to equip high-caliber technicians and engineers with the necessary expertise, the course is specially designed to deliver a comprehensive theoretical and practical training for the industry. The initiative highlights Towngas’ and VTC’s dedication and commitment to popularize gas engineering knowledge and to maintain a healthy manpower succession in the trade.

The new professional diploma course, accredited as a Qualifications Framework Level 4 programme, covers aspects of the production, transportation, distribution and utilisation of city gas. To embark on a minimum of around a year journey learning from industry experts, students will undertake attachment training at the Towngas Engineering Academy with opportunities to visit some of the environmentally-friendly operations of Towngas, including the largest landfill gas treatment and utilisation projects of its kind in Asia.

At today’s signing ceremony, Towngas Managing Director Alfred CHAN said, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with VTC, moving to the next level by offering more specialised training for the gas industry to nurture professionals to cope with extensive gas applications such as gas-powered space cooling and heating, dehumidifying, as well as clothes drying.” Alfred CHAN added, “Towngas will also join hands with other tertiary institutions to launch in September this year a module on gas engineering for their degree programmes.”  

Practitioners in gas-associated trades such as property management, construction industry etc., now can enroll in this new part-time course to acquire energy and safety management knowledge etc. to keep their career progressing with continuous professional development. Towngas will provide full subsidy to relevant colleagues to join the course.

Attending the MoU signing ceremony, VTC Executive Director Carrie YAU said, “Under the developing knowledge economy and what are required of the workforce in the new century, industry practitioners across different sectors will need to upgrade and update their professional knowledge on top of skill mastery.” She further remarked that the joint programme enabled industry talent to keep abreast of the latest industry knowledge and trends through theoretical learning and practice. On completion of the programme, students/trainees can further articulate to a related programme for career and academic progression.

Course enrolment will start in May while classes will begin in July. Students are eligible to apply for the Engineering Training Subsidy Scheme that provides at maximum a 60% refund on tuition fees. The course not only covers modules related to the gas technology, but also modules such as customer service, safety management, supervisory skills etc., paving the way for graduates to be part of corporate management.

Course details of Professional Diploma in Gas Engineering