The Dominion THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1923. A NATIONAL PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 175, 12 April 1923, Page 6

The Dominion THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1923. A NATIONAL PROBLEM

A NUMBER of good features are embodied in the draft Apprenticeship Bill which is to be discussed next week at a conference of Wellington employers and workers. The Bill aims, amongst other things, at giving both apprentices and the employers of apprentices more effectual protection than they enjoy in the existing state of the law It provides penalties for a failure by either party to carry out the mutual obligations that a tontract of apprenticeship implies. Anything that can be done by law or regulation to ensure that apprentices are properly trained, and that they shall honourably fulfil their obligations to their employers, is, of course, much to bo desired. It needs to be recognised, however, that the problems arising out of the present unsatisfactory state of trade apprenticeship are very wide and far-reaching, and that a fully comprehensive solution cannot be provided by even the most carefully prepared legislative enactment. , , , ■ , .. . . The Bill under notice, it is true, does not overlook the neglect of apprenticeship, which is a contributing cause to the serious deterioration of skilled trades in this country. Lt proposes, in effect, that children should be watched, as they leave school and advised to enter the occupations in which they are most likely to prosper. To this end it is suggested that head teachers should forward to the nearest inspector of "factories particulars of boys and girls leaving public, private, or technical high schools without proceeding to the higher schools. These particulars .are to be accompanied by the head teacher’s recommendations as to the aptitude* of the children, and the kind'of employment for which they are best suited. Whore employment is desired, the inspector is to advise boys and girls and parents or guardians, and to assist in obtaining suitable employment. • _ . The idea underlying these proposals is excellent, hut as they stand they show obvious weaknesses. It is notorious that a majority of children complete their primary course without discovering aptitudes on which their future careers could be confidently planned. lhe proposals also appear to overlook the fact that secondary schools, as well as those of lower grade, contribute their annual quota of young people to unskilled and blind alley occupations. A very valuable purpose Would be served by, a system of intelligence making available to all children leaving school, and to their parents or guardians, reliable information as to the prospects offering ,in different industries. Such a’ system, however, can hardly be established ready-made. Its successful development calls for the services of men and women of somewhat exceptional attainments. All possible support should be given to such efforts a s the draft Bill represents to improve conditions of apprenticeship and divert an increasing number of children from unskilled' to skilled occupations. Sympathy with efforts in this direction should not be allowed, however, to obscure the fact that if -these aims are to bo satisfactorily realised there must be a material improvement in general education. It will continue to be difficult to limit the drift into unskilled occupations until all children fitted to profit by it are given a sound general education carried well beyond the primary stage—such an education as will develop their characters, ’ awaken their thinking powers, and make them inclined to continue the pursuit of knowledge after they leave school. • 'An improvement in general educational standards is vitally needed also as an antidote to the spirit which at present prevails widely in industry. In this country there are excellent prospeejs of advancement for any intelligent lad capable of industry and application, but • in the existing state of industrial relationships a boy learning a trade ioo often finds himself associated jwith men who have been led astray by spurious teaching,, and with whom it is an article of faith to “beat the boss” by ca’ canny tactics, and in other ways. / ' These perverted ideas, and the atmosphere they generate, are of poisonous effect on lads who in more normal conditions would bo alight with ambition and a determ inatipfi to get on in the world. Ad improvement in general standards of education is an essential part of the remedy the case demands. . , • ( Such proposals as are contained in the draft Apprenticeship Bill are, however, capable, within limits, of serving a very useful.purpose. They should’ do something both to popularise apprenticeship and to improve on existing standards of trade training and industrial efficiency.