TRAINING FOR TRADE

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 85, 7 October 1920, Page 6

TRAINING FOR TRADE

The shortage of skilled labour in many of thu important industries of the Dominion has betrayed; to' some degree, a weakness in our education system. The workers themselves have been encouraged to rely more on the efforts of ; their respective unions than on their individual skill and efficiency to obtain higher wagea. Whilst this may be satisfactory to the worker, it is bad for the country, in that its industries &re pot brought to the standard that may enable them to compete wiih the product of more efficient labour outside. It is unquestionable that the training of skilled workmen ha 3 not kept pace with industrial development. To look solely to immigration to supply the demand for tradesmen is not either fair to New Zealanders, who have at leaat as great a natural capacity for almost any class of work ts any other people in the world, nor is it hopeful, inasmuch as skilled workers in any country have little need to-day to look far afield for employment. New Zealand mugfc undoubtedly endeavour to train its own recruits for its own industries. The decay of apprenticeship and the attractions of unskilled labour with its immediate reward, in high wages have accentuated >the problem. The technical school, though it hos done good woric,\ does not quite fill the bill, as, there is still a lack of co-ordination with industry and a reed for "essentially practical experience. At this stage the scheme outlined in our news columns, by vvmch the motor trade proposes to train its own mechanics, is of considerable interest. The motor industry has shown astonishing development during the past few years, quite beyond the resources of the skilled labour required for repairs and maintenance. Motor traction is the backbone of many businesses, and the development is likely to proceed, and the shortage of skilled labour to become more acute. The trade has realised these circumstances, and is out to give better service to the motoring public. The training scheme is to be carried out by an independent body representing all branches of the trade, with an organising director, whose duty it will be to arrange suitable instruction ir- the form of lectures, demonstrations, and correspondence courses. Substantial sums have already been guaranteed, and an annual subscription will be imposed to provide finance, so that the motor mechanic will get his instruction absolutely free. Certificates of efficiency will be issued to students. The progress of the scheme will be watched with keen interest in other trades, and, if successful, should furnish an example which might well be followed in industry ganerally.