Training priority for motor industry

Press, 5 October 1977, Page 35

Training priority for motor industry

Very few trades or industries could claim to have such an effective training system as the New Zealand motor industry. This industry recognised at a very early stage that the vast technical advances that were being made in all fields throughout the world and particularly in the motor industry would call for increasingly' high standards of knowledge and skill from members of its servicing divisions. With this in mind it set out to develop the highest possible standard of technical training and education from apprenticeship level upwards. The body which is responsible for training young men for the motor trades is the New Zealand Motor Trade Certification Board. The board was established in 1944 and its members are all experienced in the technical side of the industry. All sections of the motor industry are represented including the New' Zealand Engineering Union of workers, the Department of. Education and the Vocational Training Council are also represented on the board. At the time of its formation this board was unique in New Zealand and it was the forerunner

of the industry training boards now being established by the Vocational Training Council. The board co-operates with the Department of Education, the New Zealand Trades Certification Board, apprenticeship committees and technical institutes in setting up a uniform standard and system of training. Iff addition to providing every apprentice with an opportunity to become a skilled tradesman it also opens the way to the more highly paid managerial positions that the motor trade can offer. The Motor Trade Certification Board in 1973 sent Mr A. J. Blakeway, its technical director, on a 41 month overseas study tour of 12 countries which train automotive apprentices and young people for the motor trades. Mr Blakeway visisted training schools conducted by motor vehicle manufacturers, technical colleges and motor trade organisations.

As a result of Mr Blakewav’s findings overseas and of a survey of the motor trade iff New Zealand, the board has now formulated a new training plan for all automotive trades which will allow employers to take advantage of the training incentive grants announced by the Government in the

1974 Budget and will pro vide for more practica’ training to be undertaker in technical institutes. The Budget this year provided for this training plan to be implemented iii 1978 for the automotive electrical, automotive machining and motor-cycle sections of the trade. The industry is looking forward to this new era in apprentice training and is confident that it will produce more skilful and versatile tradesmen. The motor trade has always been a leader in technical training in New

Zealand industry and wil continually update its training pattern to meei the changing needs of tht industry and to remain ir the forefront of the technical training scene, bin continual frustrations ’b\ political restrain on expenditure has caused employers to reduce their intake of apprentices thereby creating a lack ol job opportunity for many school leavers. History has shown that a reduction in the apprentice intake is followed by an acute shortage of skilled tradesmen in three to four years time and because recessions are usually followed by boom conditions the demand for skilled workers will have to be met by increased immigration.