VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 146, 20 May 1930, Page 2

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

OPERATIONS IN THE DOMINION. VALUABLE "WORK BEING DONE. That vocational guidance is a most important phase of modern education is the contention of Mr G. Maxwell Keys, vocation guidance officer, of Christchurch, who spoke at the Rotary Club luncheon yesterday. Rotarian L. H. Collinson was in the chair. Mr Keys said that the assisting of boys and girls to choose their vocations on leaving the sixth standard at school, or to advise them in what direction to pursue their secondary studies, was a comparatively new development in New Zealand educational circles. A move such ns this was a definite attempt to more thoroughly bridge tho gap that existed between the school and the business world. America offered a great example in this work. It was found in all the great cities as a recognised part of the school work. In Canada, England, Germany, Italy and other European countries one found effective schemes in use. The speaker outlined the methods in use in industrial organisations in America, and stated that New Zealand appeared to be lagging somewhat behind. Ultimately it was a matter for the Government, which would give the the greatest scope to the work. The Government had already made appointments of vocational guidance masters at Christchurch and Wellington, and an indication had been given by the Minister of Education that further appointments would be made. The practice was to gather the sixth standard boys and girls together and explain to them the various occupations, and discuss the suitability of each for the various trades and professions. A questionnaire was submitted and from the answers it was found possible to divide the boys into various groups. While the movement sought to find emplovment for those desiring it, this was by no means its principal function. Each, case was closely followed up, and they were recommended to join up with certain sports bodies and social organisations, very often with gratifying and beneficial results. The work was closely associated with the Y.M.C.A. It was often found, said the speaker, that boys leaving school were. woefully ignorant of the occupations in which they proposed to work. To counteract’ this, arrangements had been made last year to take groups of boys to various businesses and trades, and this feature of tho work was being intensified this year. The speaker suggested that representations be made to the Y.M.C.A. at Palmerston North to appoint an officer, to function more particularly during the Christmas holidays, to direct boys and their parents in the vocations to be followed. He felt sure that the officer’s services would be eagerly and extensively availed of. The co-operation of a number of business men would bo necessary, and lie felt sure that very useful work could be done. Before long it would have reached such an advanced state that Palmerston North would warrant the appointment of a permanent official. A vote of thanks was returned by Rotarian H. E. Townsend.