Retraining Opens New Career Pathways: Unemployed Workers Enter Care Sector, Family Caregiver Transitions to Chinese Medicine
(25 March 2026, Hong Kong) Amid ongoing changes in the job market in recent years, many people have found themselves needing to switch career paths. Programmes offered by the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) have become an effective route for unemployed and mid-career individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce. Training courses in sectors facing acute manpower shortages, such as healthcare and Chinese medicine, have attracted particular attention. Through retraining, many participants have successfully embarked on new careers and rebuilt their professional futures.
One of the training institutions offering ERB programmes, Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT), has in recent years supported numerous career changers. Some have moved from the fitness industry into frontline care services, while others have entered the Chinese medicine sector in midlife after facing unemployment and family pressures. Their experiences demonstrate the practical value of retraining programmes in today’s employment landscape.
From Fitness Coach to Elderly Caregiver: A Bowl of Wonton Noodles Inspires a Calling in Healthcare
Former fitness coach Ma Wai-ho made the bold decision to enter the care sector during the pandemic, when labour shortages in healthcare became increasingly evident. He enrolled in the ERB's Health Worker Certificate Programme and, upon graduation, joined a residential care home, where he now provides support to elderly residents living with dementia.
Transitioning from working with physically fit clients to caring daily for elderly individuals with limited mobility and emotional challenges was not easy. “Even when I do my best to comfort residents with professionalism and patience, it is heartbreaking to see elderly people feeling lost or helpless,” he said.
Wai-ho recalled a story shared by one of his instructors during training about an elderly woman nearing the end of her life whose final wish was simply to enjoy a bowl of wonton noodles. After her wish was fulfilled, she passed away peacefully.“That story helped me understand that healthcare professionals must strike a balance between maintaining professional boundaries and providing compassionate, human-centred care,” he explained.
Having found a strong sense of purpose in the profession, Wai-ho has chosen healthcare as his lifelong career. After completing the programme, he decided to continue his studies by enrolling in registered nurse training, hoping to further develop his professional expertise while carrying forward the compassion and sense of responsibility that inspired him to join the sector.
An Unemployed Caregiver Finds a New Path in Chinese Medicine Through Perseverance
Another graduate, Lam Wai-yin, embarked on a career transition after facing unemployment alongside significant family responsibilities. Having experienced the loss of loved ones from a young age, she spent many years juggling multiple jobs to support her family. During the pandemic, she was made redundant while simultaneously coping with a physical injury and a family member's unexpected stroke. The combination of challenges pushed her into one of the lowest periods of her life.
While undergoing treatment, she was introduced to Chinese medicine and became interested in the profession. Inspired by the experience, she enrolled in the ERB's Foundation Certificate in Chinese Medicine Clinic Assistant Training Programme, determined to start a new chapter. Changing careers in middle age proved challenging. In the early stages, her lack of industry experience led some to question her abilities. However, drawing on the resilience, endurance, and self-discipline developed through years of long-distance running, she persevered. She committed herself to mastering the locations of hundreds of medicinal herbs stored in traditional Chinese medicine cabinets, as well as learning the complexities of clinic operations.
Through dedication and steady accumulation of practical experience, she eventually earned the confidence of her employer. Her probationary employment became a permanent position, and she later received a promotion. Reflecting on her journey, Wai-yin said the retraining programme gave her the courage to start again and regain her footing during difficult times.
Quality Education and Outstanding Instructors Driving the Development of Vocational and Professional Education
As demand for retraining continues to grow, the quality of programmes and support services has become increasingly important.
Recognising its achievements in talent development and employment support, HKCT received 12 awards at the ERB Annual Awards Presentation 2025-26, held yesterday (24 March 2026). The institution became the only training provider to receive the ERB Course Development Award for 16 consecutive years since the award's inception. HKCT also won the ERB Online Training Award for the fourth consecutive year and received the ERB Employment Service Award for the tenth time, in addition to multiple awards presented to trainees and instructors.
These accolades underscore HKCT's longstanding commitment to nurturing talent, promoting lifelong learning and supporting individuals in achieving sustainable employment through vocational and professional education.
Mr. Hui Chark-Shum, JP, Commissioner for Labour (left 5), presents the ERB Employment Service Award to Prof. Chan Cheuk-hei (right 2), President of HKCT
Mr. So Pak-tsan, MH, Member of the Employees Retraining Board (left 2), presents the ERB Online Training Award to Prof. Lee Wai-chi (right 1), Vice President of HKCT
Mr. Tam Chi-chung, MH, Member of the Employees Retraining Board (centre), presents the ERB Promotion and Publicity Award to Ms. Chan Kit-yi (right 2), Associate Vice President of HKCT
Ms. Wong Nga-lai, Member of the Employees Retraining Board (left 4), presents the ERB Course Development Award to Mr Lo Wing-leung (right 3), Assistant Director of HKCT Institute of Vocational Education and Training
The Honourable Chris Sun Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare (centre), presents the ERB Outstanding Trainee Award to award-winning HKCT trainees
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2026年3月25日 — 港專連續16年獲ERB課程發展獎 學員轉投護理中醫重啟事業 （巴士的報）
