TRAINING OF LABOUR

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 1, 26 September 1939, Page 9

TRAINING OF LABOUR

Apprenticeship Problem During War ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS ■Suggestions for the taking of steps to guard against a breakdown in production and the training of apprentices during the war period, and for the training of young people to take over the work relinquished by the young men from farms who might enlist, made by the directors of the Wellington Technical College, Mr. R. G. Ridling, were discussed by members of the board of governors at last night’s meeting. “There is every likelihood that the war will be continued for a long period and that every branch of industry in New Zealand will be affected by production difficulties, said Mr. Ridling in his report to the board. “The training of the necessary labour to maintain industry is largely dependent upon the number of journeymen engaged. There is a-definite ratio between journeymen and apprentices laid down in the various awards concerning industry. At present a number of industries can employ and train apprentices beyond the ratio that is permitted. The war will naturally cause the number of journeymen employed in industry, to be reduced and, if the same proportion of apprentices is maintained, the number of apprentices that can be trained will be likewise reduced. We shall have a repetition of the difficulties associated with the slump period of 1930 onward. “It is difficult, of course, to foretell the state of our industries during the next few years, as their very existence will be determined by the availability of materials and labour. Experiences during the period of the Great War and subsequent to the war period show that unusual action will be necessary both to maintain the industries at present operating and to see that youth obtains a training that will enable it to take up normal activities after the war. This cannot be done without a variation in the present apprenticeship conditions, nor can it be done without close co-operation between employers, employees and technical colleges. National Committee, “It may seem premature to ask the Government to consider this emergency before it really arises but, as the effects on present and future industrial activities are profound, I recommend that the board suggest to the Government the setting up of a national committee to be drawn from technical education, employers, employees and vocational guidance officers to make recommendations for early adoption to guard against a breakdown in production and the training of apprentices. “It is essential also that some effort should be made to train young people to take over the work relinquished by the young men from farms who will be undertaking the more selfsacrificing activities of the war. Though this college can do very little in this matter this should not bo overlooked and should form one important portion of the agenda referred to the committee which it is proposed should be set up. “As it will be necessary for the whole nation to work systematically and earnestly if the task to which our hand is set is to be successful, devising of schemes for maintaining the country’s activities and preserving, the training of youth in those activities Should be undertaken right away.” Post-War Difficulties. Mr. Ridling explained that the difficulties occurred not so much during the period of a war as afterward. If it were possible to anticipate them and endeavour to make adequate provision, some good purpose would be served. The immediate difficulty at the end of the last war was to rehabilitate those who had lost the opportunity of completing their training by serving overseas, and who came back to nothing. It was most desirable that the minds of young persons should be turned to farming, if not as a permanent occupation, then as a temporary vocation to ensure that production should be maintained during the war period. It might toe possible to organize groups of students who could assist farmers during the vacations. The chairman, Mr. W. Appleton, said that during the depression years a boys’ unemployment committee had been set up in Wellington and had achieved excellent results. It might be possible to set up a committee on the same lines.

It was decided to communicate with the youth centre of the boys’ unemployment committee on the matter..