HK Electric Three-Generation Apprenticeship Sustains Cable Splicing Legacy
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
HK Electric's cable splicing training center, known internally as the flower arrangement classroom, marked this year's Teacher's Day by showcasing a three-generation apprenticeship that has sustained Hong Kong's power infrastructure for decades. The story features Zhang Chongheng, who joined the company in 2008, rising from an apprentice nicknamed the stone man to senior technician while trained under two dedicated mentors. His secondary mentor, Li Han-ming, retired in 2026 after more than 40 years of service, symbolizing the unbroken chain of technical knowledge transfer that has kept Hong Kong's lights on .
Key Points
- Zhang Chongheng joined HK Electric in 2008 under the apprenticeship program, later nicknamed the stone man by mentor Lau Kau-tang for his observant and quiet nature
- The HK Electric Cable Splicing Training Center was formally established in 1988, with roots tracing back to 1969 at the North Point Power Station
- Cable splicers must complete 11 professional certifications spanning low voltage, 11kV and 22kV levels, typically requiring 10 to 15 years of training
- Li Han-ming retired in 2026 after serving HK Electric for more than 40 years, with Zhang Chongheng now responsible for training new apprentices
- The cable splicing process involves three stages: peeling, joint-making, and flower-making, with the final step creating a bloom-like appearance giving splicers their nickname
Why It Matters
The apprenticeship system ensures Hong Kong's critical power infrastructure remains operational through meticulously trained technicians who understand both traditional techniques like the melon-wiping method for legacy PILC cables and modern XLPE cable splicing, preserving institutional knowledge that cannot be learned from textbooks alone .
The apprenticeship system ensures Hong Kong's critical power infrastructure remains operational through meticulously trained technicians who understand both traditional techniques like the melon-wiping method for legacy PILC cables and modern XLPE cable splicing, preserving institutional knowledge that cannot be learned from textbooks alone .