Before the introduction of degree programmes in 1983, the route followed by technician engineers being trained in Hong Kong, particularly at the Hong Kong Polytechnic, was quite unique. About 680 students are admitted into the eight Higher Diploma engineering programmes at Higher Technician level each year at the Hong Kong Polytechnic. The students first took a three-year Higher Diploma programme, continued for a one-year Associateship programme and finally sat the Engineering Council Part II Examinations, thus fulfilling the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status.