From Motor Mechanic to Silver Whistle Award Winner: A Passion-Fuelled Career Transformation
All Graduates of HKCT’s Inaugural “Police Cadet Training” Successfully Complete Police Training
The Hong Kong Police College held its passing-out parade on 31 January 2026, marking the graduation of 263 police officers, including 15 probationary inspectors and 248 recruit police constables, who are now ready to embark on their policing careers and contribute to safeguarding Hong Kong.
Among the graduating officers proudly marching on the parade ground was a particularly notable group, graduates of the inaugural “Police Cadet Training” programme under the Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) offered by the Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT).
The cohort achieved the remarkable feat of all completing their training at the Hong Kong Police College. Adding to this achievement, two HKCT graduates distinguished themselves through their outstanding performance and received the Silver Whistle Award, the highest honour for recruit police constables.
Their achievements are a powerful testament to how young people can realise their aspirations when they discover the right path for themselves, demonstrating that with determination, perseverance and a clear sense of purpose, dreams can indeed become reality.
From the Garage to the Police College: A Motor Mechanic’s Remarkable Career Transformation
Among the graduates receiving the Silver Whistle Award at the passing-out parade was HKCT graduate Ru, who was recognised as one of the top-performing recruit police constables. Just two years earlier, he had been working as a motor vehicle mechanic, spending his days surrounded by engines and motor oil. Despite having acquired solid technical skills, he had always harboured a strong aspiration to join the Police Force and serve the community directly.
“Two years ago, I made up my mind to pursue a different career path and enrolled in HKCT’s DAE programme,” Ru recalled. The journey was by no means easy, but with determination and perseverance, he proved himself through the intensive training at the Police College.
Reflecting on receiving the Silver Whistle Award, Ru said, “If you have a strong sense of justice and are ready to take on challenges, I would encourage you to enrol in this programme and take the first step towards pursuing a career in the Police Force!”
His journey is not only an inspiring story of personal transformation, but also a powerful source of encouragement for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
Ru was not the only HKCT graduate to distinguish himself. Another graduate, Tsui, also received the Silver Whistle Award, further demonstrating the outstanding performance and calibre of graduates from HKCT’s disciplined services programmes.
Hands-On Training Before Joining the Force: Hong Kong’s Only Diploma Programme Offering On-Site Training at Wong Chuk Hang
HKCT’s distinctive programme design played an important role in helping students adapt quickly to the rigorous requirements of police training. HKCT was among the first institutions invited to collaborate with the Hong Kong Police College in offering the DAE “Police Cadet Training” programme. It is the only diploma programme in Hong Kong that provides students with the opportunity to attend classes at the Hong Kong Police College in Wong Chuk Hang.
Graduate Chan shared his experience: “Before we formally joined the Police College, we were allowed to take part in two days of police patrol duties, working alongside experienced officers. I learnt a great deal from the experience!” Such hands-on exposure enabled students to gain first-hand experience of frontline policing and develop the mindset and readiness required of aspiring police officers even before commencing their formal training.
HKCT also provides strong academic and practical support for students who may be less confident in their academic abilities. Graduate Ng said, “English and Mathematics were not as difficult as I had imagined. The teachers were very dedicated, and the interview skills module was particularly helpful in preparing me to apply to the Police Force.”
He added that while students should be mentally prepared to persevere through demanding training, the sense of achievement upon overcoming the challenges is second to none.
Fast-Track Selection and Expert Guidance Pave the Way for a Seamless Transition into the Police Force
For young people pursuing their aspirations, time is a valuable asset. One of the key factors enabling these graduates to get a head start is the programme’s streamlined pathway towards joining the Police Force. Unlike the conventional application process, selected students can undergo the police constable selection process while completing their studies, allowing them to progress through recruitment procedures at an earlier stage.
Throughout the journey, experienced police instructors and physical training instructors provide professional guidance and share their frontline experience with students, helping them build confidence and prepare for the interview and physical fitness requirements. This dual-track approach, combining academic studies with preparation for Police Force recruitment, enables students to make a smooth transition from the classroom to a career in policing and brings them one step closer to turning their aspirations into reality.
Following the successful passing-out of the inaugural cohort and the outstanding achievements of its graduates, HKCT’s DAE “Police Constable Preparatory Training” programme has become an increasingly popular choice, with enrolment reaching new highs. The programme continues to provide young people aspiring to join the Police Force with a pathway to pursue their ambitions and embark on their own rewarding journey in policing.
