As the release of the HKDSE results, many students may feel anxious about their performance in the exam. After the results are announced, the outcome may differ from what they or their families expected, creating additional pressure. People respond to stress and anxiety in different ways, and when these emotions persist without relief, various signs may appear in one’s body, emotions, thoughts, or behaviour. If you notice these signs becoming more frequent or more intense, it may be time to seek support from professionals.There are many social welfare organisations in the community that are ready to listen to the needs of young people. They provide emotional support, information on further studies, and other relevant assistance to help students receive appropriate support during this important period.The Education Bureau has compiled a range of resources to help students manage stress related to the release of exam results. These materials offer practical ways to ease tension. In addition, the “Shall We Talk” initiative, jointly launched by the Advisory Committee on Mental Health and the Health Bureau, provides students with a collection of mental health information. This includes understanding common sources of stress, recognising emotional reactions during the HKDSE period, and learning strategies to cope with exam-related pressure.Based on the Education Bureau’s list of Community Resources and Helplines, we have also highlighted several organisations that offer counselling and guidance services for HKDSE candidates. These organisations provide support through different channels, allowing students to reach out according to their needs for advice on further studies and emotional well-being."18111 - Mental Health Support Hotline"Website: [Press Here]Hotline / WhatsApp: 18111[Service Hours: 24-hour hotline service with dedicated personnel answering the phone and replying to WhatsApp messages, providing immediate support and counselling services]Jockey Club Online Youth Emotional Support - Open UpWebsite: [Press Here]Facebook: [Press Here] (Chinese only)Instagram: [Press Here] (Chinese only)WhatsApp / SMS: 9101 2012[Service Hours: 24-hour online counselling service]The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong - Online counselling service “Chatpoint”Website: [Press Here] [Service Hours: Monday to Friday 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. / Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.]Caritas Hong Kong Caritas Infinity Teens - Cyber Youth Support TeamWebsite: [Press Here] (Chinese only)Facebook: [Press Here] (Chinese only)Instagram: [Press Here] (Chinese only)Hotline: 2117 0321WhatsApp: 9377 3666Email: [email protected][Service Hours:Monday and Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Wednesday and Thursday 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.Friday and Saturday 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.Closed on Sundays and public holidays]The above information is for reference only. Updated information will be subject to the announcement of individual organisations. If information from other organisations is needed, please contact the school social workers, counsellors, etc.Sources:Education Bureau - Life Planning Information WebsiteEducation Bureau – “Mental Health @ School” Student Mental Health Information Website

After the release of the HKDSE results, you may begin planning your next steps, and employment is one of the options to consider. Among the many industries, which one best matches your personality, abilities, and interests? How should you equip yourself and strengthen your competitiveness? What job‑seeking channels are available? The following sections break down the key information to help you plan ahead with greater clarity.First, whether you already have a preferred industry or are still exploring different possibilities, you may start by browsing the Life Planning Information Website of the Education Bureau, and Talent.gov.hk, an information platform established by the Human Resources Planning Commission. These platforms provide details on job duties, work environments, and personality traits suited to various positions across different industries, helping you gain an initial understanding of each career field.If you are interested in particular job roles, you may further explore the educational requirements, skills, career prospects, and promotion pathways. It is also important to understand the availability of job vacancies in the market and whether relevant training courses are offered, so you can plan your future more comprehensively.In addition, you may visit the Job Centres of the Labour Department to consult employment officers for job‑search advice. Employment officers will provide information on the job market, training courses, and existing employment programmes. They also conduct career aptitude assessments, and offer suggestions on job‑search strategies to support job seekers in planning their career paths.If you are still uncertain about your career direction, you may consider gaining exposure through different trials or experiences. Depending on the industry or job type, you may explore the following programmes:Labour Department – “Youth Employment and Training Programme” (YETP)The YETP provides a comprehensive platform of job search for young people aged 15 to 29 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below. This programme enables young people to better understand themselves and their work aptitudes while enriching their job skills and experience so as to enhance employability. Key features include:Trainees can enrol in training courses offered by Employees Retraining Board with the assistance of Career Advisors under YETP. YETP will also arrange training courses for special employment projects and specific service targets when appropriate.Workplace Attachment (WPA) opportunities will be offered by the private, public and social service sectors. Each trainee will undergo WPA training in a host organisation for ONE month and there is no employment relationship between the host organisation and the trainee. Trainees are eligible for WPA training allowance provided that they complete the training with an attendance rate of 80% or above.Vocational Training Council (VTC) - Apprenticeship Training SchemeApprenticeship training has duality in essence: apprentice not only has a full-time job with steady income, and complemented with related vocational education; moreover, the training is monitored and supported.  While being an apprentice, he/she accumulates working experience and progress academically concurrently. Key features include:Registered apprentices would be recommended for admitting to relative programme.Starting from 1 April 2024, the Government provides a “Training Allowance” of HK$1,000 per month for each eligible registered apprentice for a maximum of 36 months with a maximum subsidy amount of HK$36,000.The Government also provides an" Upskilling Allowance" with a maximum amount of HK$30,000 for each graduated apprentice. Graduated apprentice who completes apprenticeship training between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2027, remains working in the specified trade for 18 and 36 months, and completed relevant training course to the specific trade, will be eligible to apply allowance for a maximum reimbursement amounts of HK$10,000 and HK$20,000 respectively.When you decide to enter the workforce, you may explore job opportunities through the following channels:Government‑managed Job Platforms- Talent.gov.hk - Labour Department’s Interactive Employment Service- GovHK – Applying for Government JobsThese platforms provide job vacancies, recruitment information, and application requirements for easy reference.Job Fairs / Recruitment Events- Organised by the Labour Department, NGOs, or individual companies, these events often include on‑site consultations, interviews, and seminars, helping job seekers understand industry needs directly.Newspapers, Professional Magazines, and Online Advertisements- Useful for keeping track of recruitment trends in specific industries, especially professional or technical fields.Human Resources Companies / Private Employment Agencies- Provide job‑matching services to help job seekers identify suitable opportunities.If you wish to apply for your preferred job but are unsure where to begin, you may refer to the Labour Department’s Job Hunting Briefcase, which offers practical information on CV writing, interview preparation, and job‑search strategies. You may also join the tailor‑made career advisory activities organised by Youth Employment Start (Y.E.S.), designed for secondary school graduates. These activities cover CV preparation, interview skills, workplace etiquette, and even interview makeup and styling workshops, helping students build confidence and prepare for different job‑seeking challenges as they pursue suitable career opportunities.Sources:Education Bureau – Life Planning Information WebsiteTalent.gov.hkLabour Department – Youth Employment and Training ProgrammeLabour Department – Youth Employment StartLabour Department – Interactive Employment ServiceLabour Department – Launch Your CareerVocational Training Council

Feeling worried about your future career prospects after completing HKDSE? Want to enter the workforce but don't know where to start?The Labour Department (LD) has launched a special programme, 'Launch Your Career', from May to August this year for secondary school leavers who intend to enter the employment market. Through an array of diversified pre-employment training and employment services, the programme aims to help school leavers obtain the latest employment information, plan their careers and enhance their employability.The dedicated webpage of 'Launch Your Career' helps identify various job vacancies suitable for secondary school leavers, so that school leavers can apply according to their personal aspirations. The dedicated website also provides details on different types of job fairs organised by the LD, including:Recruitment days under the Youth Employment and Training Programme (YETP): YETP targets young people aged 15 to 29 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below. Trainees placed into employment will undergo salaried on-the-job training for 6 to 12 months;Recruitment days held at the LD's job centres in different districts and industry-based recruitment centres: Job seekers may have on-the-spot job interviews with employers from various industries, speeding up their job hunting process; andLarge-scale job fairs: A diverse range of job vacancies, many of which are suitable for secondary school leavers, will be provided.In addition, to equip school leavers by enhancing their job interview skills and instilling proper values in their work ethics, the LD's two youth employment resource centres, namely Youth Employment Start (Y.E.S.) in Mong Kok and Kwai Fong, will organise a series of practical training courses through the 'Career Fresh Up' programme at the same time. Career assessment and career consultation for school leavers to plan their careers in advance are also provided. The special programmes under ‘Career Fresh Up’ include:1. Job Hunting Make EasyThis is a comprehensive job hunting package especially designed for fresh graduates and young people who have newly entered the employment market as well as those who want to change their jobs. It helps participants achieve outstanding performance during job interviews and land their ideal jobs. The related courses include:English in Workplace: Presentation and Negotiation Skills (May)Putonghua Interview Skill Training (May)Office Practical Skills: Excel Application - Pivot Table (June)Workshop on Workplace English Writing (June)Applications of DeepSeek in the Workplace (June)Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business (July)Must-Know Job Search Pitfalls (Online Training Course) (July)Impromptu Talk Training Workshop (August)Resume Optimization and Job Search Platforms (Online Training Course) (August)2. Workplace at EaseTo succeed in the workplace, one needs to take care of one's physical and mental health, and at the same time learn to communicate in an appropriate manner in office setting, so as to manage one's working life well from all perspectives. The related courses include:Office Networking Skills: Building Good Relationships and Providing Effective Feedback (Online Training Course) (May)Intergenerational Management and Communication in the Workplace (June)Workplace Communication Series: Six Bricks Workshop (June)The Secret Weapon to Overcoming Procrastination (Online Training Course) (June)The Psychology for Discovering Yourself at Work (Online Training Course) (July)Psychological Strategies for Navigating the Workplace (Online Training Course) (July)Introduction to Personal Image Building and Social Etiquette Course (August)Understanding the Strengths of Highly Sensitive People in the Workplace (Online Training Course) (August)Workplace Emotional Intelligence: Fundamentals and Practice (Online Training Course) (August)3. "Switch" Your Way (July)Through making choices in the interactive videos with branching narratives, participants will acquire interview skills, core work values and identify common employment traps to better prepare themselves for the challenges in the working world and freshen up in their career paths.The latest information has been uploaded to the dedicated webpage of 'Launch Your Career'. School leavers, feel free to take a look for reference!