SKILLED LABOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 108, 2 November 1940, Page 11

SKILLED LABOUR

TRAINING SCHEME

ESSENTIAL WAR WORK

The Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) today announced a scheme to provide training for skilled workers in essential war industries.

"In order that skilled labour may be available in industries engaged on essential war work," said the Minister, "investigations have been made by a committee of experts comprising representatives of employers and workers, and the Government Departments concerned, into the question of speeding up training. A scheme has now been prepared which will afford facilities in those branches of industry where the definite need for skilled men exists.

"A start will be made in the engineering industry in the Wellington district. It is proposed to invite applications forthwith from those workers who are not eligible for immediate military service and who have some aptitude for mechanical work. A committee comprising a representative of employers and workers, together with the Secretary of Labour and the Superintendent of Technical Education will select from the applicants the requisite number of trainees. "The scheme provides for a period of intensive training in workshop practice at the Technical College under special instructors, the period varying according to the aptitude of the worker. On completion of the period of training the worker will be drafted into the less skilled grades of the industry, enabling employers to adopt a process of grading up in respect of workers already in the trade. During the period of training an allowance will be paid. On being drafted into the industry the person so trained will be regarded as an auxiliary worker, and will be paid award rates of wages

"A committee representing employers, the workers' union, and a representative of the Department of Labour will watch the progress of the auxiliary worker until the worker becomes efficient in the trade.

"The scheme provides an excellent opportunity to workers who desire to assist in the Dominion's war efforts and at the same time to acquire training and knowledge in a skilled trade," added Mr. Webb. Applications will be received by the Placement Officer in Wellington, where forms of application and full particulars of the scheme, including the scale of allowances to be paid during the training period, may be obtained. •