YOUNG UNEMPLOYED

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 109, 11 May 1933, Page 10

YOUNG UNEMPLOYED

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

COMPULSORY CLASSES

A recommendation that compulsory classes for unemployed girls and youths should bo instituted was contained in the following remit submitted to tho annual mooting of tho Technical School 'Poachers' Association by a committee which considered the question of vocational guidance:— "That thiH conference is of opinion that it is necossary to legislate so that all young people over SO who aro unemployed and Book work must bo rogiatored as they leave school, and bo required to attend for a fixed minimum number of hours per week approved continuation classes, or be engaged upon somo other such activity as the Youths' Land Settlement Scheme which may provide useful occupation." In bringing forward1 tho remit, Mr. G. M. Keys (Christchurch) said oxperionco hud shown that non-compulsory classes had practically been a failure, particularly in regard to the type of youths wbieb it was thought most desirable to have at the classes. They had refused to attend in spite of the incentive providod by the fact that those attending tho classes would be given preference among applicants for positions. It was therefore felt that some element of compulsion should bo introduced, but it was difficult to know how the compulsion could be brought about. It might even bo advUablo to pay a small wage to those attending tho classes, but it was thought that the most satisfactory solution would be for employers to be recommended, to take boys from tho classes. On 'leaving, tho boys could be given a simple certificate of their at' tendance at the classes. BAOXS 07 PAYMENT. Other remits recommended were:— "That the present awards governing wago payments to junior salesmen, ofliec boys, and message boys bo revised ko that their employers pro not compelled to make payments strictly on the basis of age." "That the provisions already on the Statuto Book for, the raising of tho school age to 15 bo given effect to at once." , Tho committeo also recommended that the Department should publish vocational information and advice to assist parents, pupils, and teachers, but that less expensive, pamphlets than tho 1939 publication "Careers" should be issued. If necessary, a small chargo could bo made. MINIMUM AGE LIMIT. The committee recommended . that tho following remits bo passed:— "That in order to assist in mooting tho problem of juvonile unemployment, legislation be passed making it impossible in futuro to take into employ any boy or girl bolow tho age of 10 for inovo thau half-time; and making it compulsory for every child below that ago to attend school, or other recognised dosses, for at least half-time. "That in order to provide against tho problem of uncxpirisd apprenticeship contracts, and to assist in placing more boys in the trades, the Government should give serious consideration to tho scheme put forward by tho Newcastle (Australia) master builders, tho .main principle, of which is that every> lad entering a. trade should be bound to that trado as an entity, and not to an individual as provided in the present system." It was claimed that apprentices would thereby bo con. stantly in employment, and would, receivo training in all branches s>t the trado. "That provided a student shows a satisfactory degree of proficiency, the time spent nt technical schools, or tocognised continuation classes, shall be deemed to be a portion of his apprenticeship period, a student from his third year onwards being ablo to count every two years of school time as ono year of apprenticeship in a trad . "That as evidence shows conclusively that opportunities in industry are distinctly limited, an incentive for boys to turn their minds towards agricultural life should be providod by the Government, taking steps to give' effect to tho 'Youths' Land Settlement Scheme,' outlined by Messrs. Ansoll and Smith in their report to the Government on juvenile unemployment." The committee's ■ recommendations, which wero intended to apply to both boys .and girls, wero being considcrod this afternoon.