TECHNICAL COLLEGE PUPILS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 53, 26 November 1929, Page 2

TECHNICAL COLLEGE PUPILS

EAGERLY SOUGHT BY EMPLOYERS UNCOMPLETED COURSES That students who go through the full course at the Wellington Technical College need have no qualms as, to securing employment in the future'was the opinion expressed by the dirctor in his report to the Board of Governors yesterday. In calling the attention of the Board to the large number of pupils that have left the Technical High School during the current session—a larger proportion than in any previous year, the director (Mr. J. H. Howell) said: —“lt is very clear that whatever may be the general position as regards unemployment, there has been an abnormal demand for pupils from the Technical High School. For example, nearly two months before the end of the year there was not a single one of our third year general engineering students left, and a number of second year students in all departments had taken up positions. While the reputation of the college is such that it is a recommendation to have been a’ pupil in the Technical High School, parents and employers alike should realise that a short course of training is not satisfactory; and if pupils are taken away before they, have completed their second year of training, at any rate, employers must not blame (he college if they do not find these young employees as well trained as they may expect.” Advice to Parents. “We have had a number of cases where even first year boys, who can only be considered as in the trying-out stage, have been taken on as apprentices. It should be impressed upon parents that it is most desirable that pupils remain at school at least until the end of their second year, when they should obtain a senior free place entitling them to a further period of free education for three years either in the day or evening school. In the case of apprentices the gaining of a senior free place while,in the day school is of great advantage, seeing that it excuses them from the preliminary examinations for the technological certificates issued by the Government.

"Parents need have no fear that pupils who have satisfactorily undergone a course of training will have difficulty in finding positions on account of the unemployment that is 'general.” Mr. Forsyth said it did not do justice to tlie college if the students left after too short a course. Generally speaking, excellent work was done, and there was a demand fer tile output of the college.. The report and remarks of Mr. Forsyth were endorsed. “It shows tlie advantage the college confers,” said Mr. C. H. Chapman. M.P., “and the parents should urge their children to attend the Technical College, eyen after they get employment. Tlie time will be better spent at (he college than so much time at doubtful picture shows, and with considerable advantage to themselves.”

Mr. A. C. Blake moved that parents be circularised to the effect that pupils should remain at the school for at least two years. _ , This was seconded by Mr. u. D. Dick, and carried.