The Press SATURDAY, MAY 27, 1961. Technical Training Week

Press, Volume C, Issue 29524, 27 May 1961, Page 10

The Press SATURDAY, MAY 27, 1961. Technical Training Week

Next week New Zealand will participate with 35 other countries in Commonwealth Technical Training Week. The idea was born in Australia, where its outcome deeply impressed the Duke of Edinburgh. Under the stimulus of his interest it has been taken up throughout the Commonwealth. The objects are to encourage awareness in the community of its responsibility towards young people entering employment; to emphasise the importance of schemes of induction and training, both for the benefit of employers and the young people themselves; to acquaint young people with the opportunities available to tnem for training and education; and generally, to emphasise the significant place of the young worker in society. As the Duke of Edinburgh has emphasised, the material prosperity of any country depends, to a very large extent, upon the general level of technical knowledge and efficiency. It is imperative, in the nation’s interest, that young minds

capable of being trained for trade and technical skills should not be lost in occupations that offer shortrun advantages but lead to blind alleys. It is important, also, in the interests of the young people, that they should be shown the advantages of making perhaps substantial financial sacrifices while acquiring skills which will reward them a little later in life. In Christchurch, a most inter-1 esting programme Las been arranged for the week. There will be about 50 shop windows displaying types of training, and about 30 factories will be open to inspection by the public. The R.N.Z.A.F. school, the Christchurch Technical College, and the Canterbury University School of Engineering will hold “ open ” days during the week. Churches and the Broadcasting Service will contribute to the purpose of the week. If the campaign is properly supported by employers, teachers and parents—especially parents —the community will undoubtedly benefit.