Hong Kong's largest independent air cargo handler – announced that it has become the first cargo terminal and logistics corporation to have its training courses receive accreditation under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF).

In a statement, Hactl said the four courses which are now recognised under HKQF are Hactl's Certificate in Special and Temperature Controlled Cargo Handling For Supervisors (QF Level 3); its Certificate in Dangerous Goods Awareness Training For Handlers (QF Level 2); its Certificate in Conflict Resolution (QF Level 3); and its Certificate in Service Excellence (QF Level 3).

The accreditations are valid for two years and subject to re-accreditation.

"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," said Wilson Kwong, Hactl's chief executive.

"Overall, QF accreditation should help to standardise 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," Kwong added.

HKQF was launched in 2008 by the HKSAR Government, covering qualifications in the academic, vocational, and professional as well as continuing education sectors aimed to promote learning to enhance the quality, professionalism, and competitiveness of Hong Kong's workforce.

QF qualifications are quality-assured and rated against defined standards.

To ensure courses are suited to the needs of different industries, Industry Training Advisory Committees – comprising employers, employees, professional bodies, and regulatory bodies of the relevant industries – draw up competency standards covering each industry's key functional areas.

Hactl noted that to achieve QF recognition for its courses, the air cargo handler underwent an 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.

It said the entire process took around one year.

"It is a great pleasure to welcome Hactl as a new QF-recognised training provider. Providing quality-assured QF-recognised training to colleagues will definitely enhance the professionalism of Hactl's workforce and the air cargo industry at large in the long run," said Steve Lai, general manager of Qualifications Framework Secretariat.