SCHOOL FOR SKILL

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 85, 7 October 1920, Page 4

SCHOOL FOR SKILL

TRAINING MOTOR MECHANICS

SCHEME OF INDUSTRIAL

EDUCATION

Among the many trades ia New Zealand which are suffering from a shortage of skilled labour, one of the most important to-dny is the vast and ever-expand-ing business of V/e repair and upkeep ot motor Vehicles. Mechanical transport has developed tremendously in the last few years, and now affords employnitmt for severiil thousand men. There are, some six hundred garages in different parts if the country, and thsdr number and scope are increasing with the general advance of motor transport in its various forms. Unfortunately, the development has come bo quickly—with the war"intervening to make the situation still more acute—as to outrun altogether tfoa supply of competent trained mechanics to handle the work of maintenance and repair. The motorcar of to-day costs a considerable amount of money to build aiid to buy, and its upkeep depends largely on the cairo and skill with which it is used, and 1, when necessary, adjusted and repaired. Incompetence in handling the high-grade materials and mechanism of which it is composed may involve a, very serious loss, and,, indeed, danger to life and limb. The owrrar has undoubtedly in the past some cause to complain of inexpert-ness in handling repair work, and the motor trade itselt, recognising how much depends on the efficiency of the mechanic, frankly admits that it has been impassible to render full service as expeditiously as may have been desired. -The .problem, which fop some time past nas given serious concern to all employers, is how to raise ths general standard of skill and efficiency inthe trade as rapidly as possible, to meet the demand. 'self-supported by the trade. Will immigration supply the want? No great expectations are cherished for recruits to the trade from this source/, as it is known that the shortage of motormechanics is world-wide, and really competent mea can find remunerative employment without needing to go far alield. The New Zealand mechanic has a. full share of natural ability, and with adequate training could hold his own anywhere. How isi that training to be obtained? Wiile the goodl work of technical schools and colleges is recognised, it is felt that it does not go nearly far enough, and that there is wastage in the classes through pupils drafting away into other occupations. The motor trade has considered all these aspects of the problem, and finally resolved to take up the training of its own mechanics itself by a special system approved at a racent conference held at Timaru. The scheme involves the creation of -a special body representing the trade to be known as ''The New Zealand Motor Traders' Society for Technical Training." Its objects are denned as "the\ betterment of service to the general motoring public by promoting and encouraging an improved status for those engaged as mechanics in. the motor industry and by disseminating knowledge and instruction to all persons engaged in the motor trade." Provision is mado for an executive council representing all branches of the motor trade, for finance by an-annual subscription by members of the society, and for tlio appointment of a director and organiser at a. substantial salary to undertake the duties involved in the scheme. The sum of nearly £1200 was subscribed at the Timaru Conference, and it is hoped to double this amount, when all employers have an opportunity of subscribing. An annual sum will be provided to enable the training to' be imparted free of any expense to the mechanics. Applications are at present being invited for the position of technical, director, who, when appointed, will; inaugurate a series of lectures, demonstrations, and correspondence courses throughout New Zealand. After the scheme has been operating for some time, it is intended, to hold examinations amongst the pupils, who, on attaining a. certain degree of efficiency, will be granted certificates by the technical director. It is hoped that the motoring public will look for these certificated men in the motor trade with the confidence it gives to graduates in other trades and professions. It is anticipated that the scheme will put motor repair work on a more efficient basis throughout the country and assure to the motorist a certain etandard of quality in the treatment of his car.