Hactl pioneers logistics in training accreditation in Hong Kong
HONG KONG—The largest independent air cargo handler in Hong Kong–Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl)—became the first cargo terminal and logistics corporation to have its own training courses accredited under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF).
The four courses which are now recognized under HKQF are Hactl’s Certificate in Special and Temperature Controlled Cargo Handling for Supervisors (QF Level 3); Certificate in Dangerous Goods Awareness Training for Handlers (QF Level 2); Certificate in Conflict Resolution (QF Level 3); and Certificate in Service Excellence (QF Level 3). The accreditations are valid for two years and subject to re-accreditation.
HKQF was launched in 2008 by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government), covering qualifications in the academic, vocational and professional as well as continuing education sectors. It aims to promote lifelong learning to enhance the quality, professionalism and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s workforce. QF qualifications are quality-assured, and rated against defined standards.
“Although we have been following the standards of IATA and the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department for many years, the Specification of Competency Standards, which we applied in designing these courses, has been drawn up by members of the local logistics industry – so it better meets our business needs. Two of our QF-accredited courses include soft skills training, providing a more comprehensive education for our employees,” said Hactl Chief Executive Wilson Kwong.
“Overall, QF accreditation should help to standardize local industry competencies and lead to improved standards, enhancing Hong Kong’s image in the logistics sector. Wider adoption of QF courses will also make it easier to evaluate the competency level of candidates when recruiting, which will be of great benefit to Hactl and the air cargo industry,” he added.
To achieve QF recognition for its courses, Hactl underwent Initial Evaluation to verify its capacity and resources to run the courses on a sustainable basis. Each course was then evaluated to determine whether its planning and management, syllabuses, delivery arrangements and assessment methods could achieve its claimed objectives and learning outcomes.
The entire process took around one year and was complicated by the need for Hactl to adjust the syllabuses of the original program to meet the competency standards of QF.
Steve Lai, General Manager of Qualifications Framework Secretariat, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Hactl as a new QF-recognized training provider. Providing quality-assured QF-recognized training to colleagues will definitely enhance the professionalism of Hactl’s workforce and the air cargo industry at large in the long run.”
Caption: Hactl Chief Executive Wilson Kwong, right, with Steve Lai, General Manager of Qualifications Framework Secretariat. Image Credit: Hactl
