Hong Kong International Coaching Community

A non-profit society whose mission is to assist people to become effective professional coaches. Monthly meetings focus on professional development in interactive style. 'The' coaching network for people in Hong Kong. 
Contact:  www.coachinghk.org  

Advantages:

• Run by local people in Hong Kong (mostly in English, some in Cantonese)
• Opportunity to network with other coaches and coaches-in-training in Hong Kong; a very international group
• Focused on interactive discussions, experience sharing and networking
• Opportunities to advertise and join promotional events
• Provides extra support, interaction and local knowledge as an accompaniment to other training programs or as continuing education
• Useful online directory of coaches in Hong Kong
• Inexpensive 

Disadvantages:

• No structured progression of training

HKU - SPACE
Executive Diploma in Corporate Coaching

120 hours of in-person training leading to an Executive Diploma from Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education. The program is designed for managers and leaders who plan to implement coaching skills in the workplace. The next course starts in May 2008. 
Contact: HKU SPACE, Business Management

Advantages:

• Live in-person training in Hong Kong in English
• Taught by 2 leading Hong Kong coaches, Angela Spaxman and Charlie Lang, with 1 or 2 additional guest presenters
• Opportunity to bond with other fellow students who are managers, business owners and independent professionals
• Focused on guided practice and practical application of coaching skills in the workplace
• Delivered in evenings and on Saturdays to accommodate working people
• Professional, centrally-located training facilities 
• Eligible for CEF reimbursement (HK Gov't Continuing Education Fund)
• Possible to take only first half of course before committing to the whole program
• Length of program provides for more thorough learning

HKU - SPACE
Foundation Certificate in Life Coaching

60 hours of in-person training leading to an Foundation Certificate from Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education. The program is designed for middle and senior managers in HRD and HRM professions, organisation development consultants, technical specialists, community and social workers and other professionals who are moving into a coaching role.
Contact:  HKU SPACE, Public Welfare and Society  

Advantages:

• Live in-person training in Hong Kong in Cantonese
• Taught by Ms Gloria Hung, an experienced and dynamic experiential trainer and coach
• Covers all the basics of coaching skills
• Delivered in evenings to accommodate working people
• Eligible for CEF reimbursement (HK Gov't Continuing Education Fund) 

Ontological Coaching sponsored by Active Communication

3-day intensive programs and a longer program leading to a Diploma in Ontological Coaching endorsed by an Australian University.
Contact: Active Communication

Advantages:

• Live in-person training in Hong Kong in English
• Taught by an internationally acclaimed coach, author and trainer, Alan Sieler from Australia
• High quality content which gets to the core of what makes coaching effective
• Professional, centrally-located training facilities 

Coaching for Leaders, offered by Progress-U

A 2-day experiential program and also a 90-hour program, both designed for managers and leaders who want to expand their use of coaching skills.
Contact: Progress-U

Advantages:

• Live in-person training in Hong Kong or Shanghai in English
• Taught by an experienced trainer and executive coach, Charlie Lang
• Designed and tested in Hong Kong and China to suit local expectations
• Choice of short program suitable for those exploring coaching for the first time or longer program for those wanting to further expand their abiities in coaching

Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC)

Coach training programs offered in Cantonese by Dr Keith To in alliance with either the Hong Kong Productivity Council or St James Settlement. Hundreds have been trained over the past few years. 
Contact: The Excel Centre, Email Dr Keith To

 Advantages: 

• In-person training in Hong Kong in Cantonese
• 50 hours of instruction, preparation and coaching practice time
• Affiliated with a well-established brand in the US, see www.wabccoaches.com
• Focused on both internal and external coaching for businesses
• Includes reference materials, DiSC® Personal Profile, Time Mastery Profile System® and 3 hours of private coaching sessions with your RCC Instructor
• Potential to receive Registered Corporate Coach (RCC) designation

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Coach U

The main programs are offered by teleclass from the US or Australia. The introductory levels are also available at intensive live training workshops at various locations worldwide. The programs are designed for all kinds of coaching, from corporate to spiritual with core foundation learning followed by options for corporate or personal coaching tracks. There are plenty of extra resources, support and training for those starting their own practices. It is also suitable for those building coaching opportunities within their workplace or as part of another practice. 
Contact: www.coachu.com 

Advantages: 

• Access to high quality client programs, reference materials, a coach referral website and a large international network of coaches
• ICF accredited and a well recognized brand
• Training takes place over an extended period of time for better integration and implementation of learning. Intensive introductory programs are also available in Australia, Singapore or other locations.
• Access to a rich variety of coaches and participants worldwide 
• Different packages available for different levels of time and money commitment
• Very complete training, including personal development, coaching skills and practice building tools

Results Coaching Systems

Well-established coach training school offering various combinations of live training (in Australia or sometimes Singapore) and training by teleclass. Results offers intensive entry-level coach training as well as separate streams for personal, business and executive coaching.  
Contact: www.resultslifecoaching.com.au/become_hk

Advantages:

• A well-established coaching school with a growing influence and reputation
• Includes business building resources including a corporate coaching agency
• Includes coach mentoring program
• Accessible worldwide through live teleclasses in Asia-friendly times

School of Coaching Mastery

A new coaching school based in the US and focused specifically on helping students achieve IAC certification.
Contact: www.SchoolofCoachingMastery.com

Advantages: 

• Small group teleclasses with plenty of personal attention
• Taught by two very masterful coaches, Julia Stewart and Natalie Tucker-Miller
• A variety of other classes available through a growing community of coaches and alumni
• Free resources for connecting with fellow students for additional practice
• Different courses for new and experienced coaches available a la carte or as a full program
• Free sample classes available

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About International Certification
There are currently two international organizations that certify coaches. 

1) International Coach Federation (ICF) has been established since 1992 and certifies coaches based on training, experience and competencies. Training requirements can be fulfilled through documented 'coach-specific' training to certain minimum hours or through accredited schools.  For more information, see www.coachfederation.org. 

2) The International Association of Coaching (IAC) certifies coaches to very high standards of mastery without any specific training or experience requirements. Candidates submit recordings of coaching sessions that are assessed against the IAC Coaching Masteries^TM. See www.certifiedcoach.org.

My personal opinion is that people choosing a coach training program should first consider the quality of the learning experience for their own preferences. Once they have learned to coach proficiently, they will be free to pursue certification with either of the above bodies. 

The fastest way to achieve a very high level of mastery in coaching is to pursue IAC certification. With plenty of practice and feedback, most people can learn enough to get certified within 12 to 18 months.

On-line Forums

Connect with coaches, ask questions, share your experience and gain inside information from these on-line forums.

The Coaching Commons - a new, very high quality discussion board with extensive participation by experienced coaches

The Coaching Forums - a UK-based but international active independent forum for coaches

Coachtalk-L - "The Water Cooler for the Coaching World" US-based forum

Co-Active Coaching - Created by Coaches Training Institute but most forums open to all. The niche communities are particularly useful. 

New Coach Connection - an active yahoo group for coaches 

Overseas Options

Many coach training schools in Australia, Canada, UK and US offer intensive programs for those willing to travel to receive training. For a complete listing of coach training programs worldwide, please refer to www.peer.ca/coachingschools.html.

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Angela offers mentor coaching for coaches and coaches-in-training. If you would like to know more, please email or call her at 8103-7326.