APPRENTICES’ DAY CLASSES

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 53, 26 November 1929, Page 13

APPRENTICES’ DAY CLASSES

PROPOSAL DISCUSSED PROBLEM OF INSTRUCTORS The question of the best method of evolving from the present Technical High School system an education having more direct trade bearing was before the Wellington Technical College Board of Governors last night, arising out of a letter fro mthe Technical Education Association and a report by the principal (Mr. J. H. Howell). The letter stated that public opinion and educational practice had so strongly approved the advisability of broadening the courses of secondary education that high schools and grammar schools hud adopted, or would soon adopt, courses similar to those in our technical high schools. No doubt the process would be considerably extended in the near future and it would be wise for the larger technical schools to consider taking another step forward and to endeavour to establish day-time courses for those actually engaged in industry. _ They asked the board, therefore, to consider the matter and to suggest as follows: —(1) Whether it was possible at present to establish day-time classes in the board s centre for apprentices in any particular industry or industries? (2) Whether joint action by the four larger technical colleges in dealing with the organisations of- employers or employees for the whole Dominion would not be advisable? (3) Whether any technical high school students excluded in order to make accommodation available for part-time students should be provided for in a new junior technical college or at the other secondary schools?

Past Opposition.

In a report upon day-time apprentices. Mr. Howell stated that strong opposition had been shown by employers in the past on the ground that an apprentice could well afford to give two or three evenings weekly to improve his qualifications for his calling, and that to set him free during working hours would be unnecessary interference with industry and would increase the cost of production. _ Day-time classes had been held for painters apprentices in Christchurch and for plumbing apprentices in Auckland. _ In the case of painters’ apprentices it was obviously desirable that they should do their colour work during daylight because it was impossible to judge correct shades by artificial light. There was one point of view that could not be neglected : the difficulty of securing a satisfactory staff of instructors who would give to their teaching the necessary thought and devotion to make it a success, and who were prepared to give the time to keep equipment in good order and prepare exercises for students. In those branches where the present staff consisted entirely of part-time instructors, such as plumbing and motorengineering, the number of -classes was large and sufficient to justify the appointment of a full-time instructor if some classes could be held during the day; In plumbing they hnd five;, in motor engineering three, and ought to have a fourth, only the advisory committee had been nimble to secure the services of a suitable man. It was certain that if in the departments of plumbing and motor engineering a full-time instructor could bo employed much moie satisfactory work would be done, from which employers would reap great benefit This would outweigh the disadvantages of setting their apprentices free. Referred to Employers.

The matter was an important one, said Mr. J. Read, and should be brought to the notice of the Employers’ Association. Mr. G. D. Dick said it hnd been before the Employers’ Association many times and the proposals could not be carried out. Mr. J. .1. Clark thought, it better for apprentices to keep up their work in the daytime and attend the classes at the college at night for theory. It -was agreed to forward a copy of the report to. the Employers’ Association.