Ng Wai-yin tells a different story. A 1993 graduate of EMSD's Craft Apprentice Scheme, Wai-yin has worked at the Department for 15 years, first in air-conditioning maintenance and now, as an expert in mechanical locks, safes and vaults. With five years of solid experience under his belt, he has repaired more than 6,000 safes and vaults for government departments, protecting such diverse valuable items as stamps, cash and critical documents. "My trade is as much art as science. Touch, sound and the feeling of the hand are very important in my work."

Wai-yin's most vivid memory of Caroline Hill was the Training Block where he and his 20-plus classmates went buzzing about their daily round of classes and activities, and the three or four tall trees that flourished in the courtyard. What does he think of the new headquarters? "This is a new and beautiful building. It is also close to Kwun Tong where I live." The soft-spoken safe and vault expert is set for many more fruitful years here.