ACUTE SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 117, 12 February 1944, Page 5

ACUTE SHORTAGE

Footwear Apprentices

The question of training apprentices of school leaving age was discussed at a meeting of the executive of the Dominion Federation of Boot Traders’ Associations in Wellington recently. Though the federation is prepared to assist in the adult apprenticeship scheme for returned servicemen, in co-operation with the Rehabilitation Committee, the executive*considers that something should he done to encourage boys of school leaving age to learn the trade of bespoke boot and shoemaking, and the repairing of footwear. The proportion of apprentices to that of tho men engaged in the trade, the majority of whom are of mature years, is exceptionally low, and there is every indication that iu another decade there will be a very acute shortage of skilled men.

The executive decided to approach technical school authorities with a request that they make available every facility in a joint effort to have a sufficient number of boys trained in boot and shoemaking and repairing, and, if necessary, for members of the federation to offer free facilities in order to promote the training.