Free copies of the Careers Guidance Handbook for Secondary Five Graduates 2005-2006 and Handbook for Secondary Five Students: In Pursuit of Job & Continuing Learning Opportunities will be released July 20.

Compiled by the Education & Manpower Bureau, Labour Department and the Association of Careers Masters & Guidance Masters, the handbooks provide comprehensive information on further studies, vocational training and career paths for Secondary Five graduates.

Students can get the books from their schools, Regional Education Offices, Careers Information Centres and Job Centres, and Home Affairs Department Public Enquiry Service Centres.

Electronic versions will also be uploaded onto the bureau's website and the department's website.

S6 admission

The careers guidance handbook outlines the Secondary Six admission procedure, which starts August 10, and the joint admission scheme.

Secondary schools in Tai Po, North, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung & Tsing Yi, and Islands Districts will organise joint admission centres to admit students from other schools.

The handbook also provides information on the study path for S5 graduates, including details of S6 courses being offered by secondary schools, S5 courses for repeaters, professional and vocational training courses, sub-degree courses, Project Yi Jin and studying abroad.

From school to work

The job and continuing learning book is focused on the transition from school to work.

It provides tips on choosing a career, information on the job market, the Labour Department's free employment services, the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme, the Youth Work Experience & Training Scheme and various continuing learning opportunities.