Integrated resort operator Sands China presented its “Youth Talent Development System” at The Londoner Macao in Cotai on September 17 to government agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners, while a graduation ceremony for 154 local youths completing their summer internship at the company’s properties was also held there.
The system is the company’s “long-established, comprehensive, multi-stage talent development strategy”, according to a statement by Sands China on Monday, and addresses the needs of local youths in four stages: secondary school, university, post-graduation, and employment.
The statement noted the initiatives at each stage. For secondary school, the company in conjunction with the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM) and Escola Luso-Chinesa Técnico-Profissional launched Macau’s first three-year secondary school programme focusing on stage technology and event production. Moreover, Diverse Development Lab activities assist secondary school students in gradually building skills necessary to transition from school to the workplace.
At the university level, the statement said, the company launched Macau’s first Career Experience Opportunity (CEO) programme offering part-time training to students, while the Integrated Resort Internship Programme allows students to apply classroom knowledge early. Its Summer Trainee Programme meanwhile hires students for summer jobs. Management also visits campuses for lectures and hosts property tours for teachers and students.
For post-graduation, Sands China, in conjunction with the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL), has initiated 23 elite development programmes that provide fast-track promotions and a “hire and train” model, helping participants earn internationally recognised qualifications. They also support the bureau’s internship initiatives.
For employment, Sands China offers comprehensive on-the-job training through the Sands China Academy, which has eight specialised sub-academies. The company offers horizontal and vertical mobility opportunities for staff, continuously enhancing their competitiveness. It has also fully sponsored international certification for staff, the statement said.
Sands China Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Grant Chum Kwan Lock was quoted by the statement as saying: “In alignment with the Macau SAR government’s vision for talent development, we have been working closely with various government departments, secondary schools, and higher education institutions over the years to build a youth talent development system that covers different growth stages and provides progressive support for Macau’s youth in career planning”.
He added: “Through a clear and systematic development framework, we hope to enable young people of Macau to find their own paths”.
Students receive certificates during the recent graduation ceremony for 154 local youths who completed their summer internship programmes at Sands China properties. – Photo: Sands China
