VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22022, 3 August 1933, Page 16

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

WORK OF THE COMMITTEE A YEAR OF PROGRESS The second annual report of the Dunedin Vocational Guidance Committee states, inter alia: — The committee has pleasure in recording a year of progress and success. The previous year was one of organisation and pioneer work, and it is very encouraging to be able to report that during the year just ended the work of the committee has become more widely known and appreciated, both by parents and employers. The committee is steadily building up for the future, and would like to stress the fact that the guidance side of the work is regarded as preceding and largely _ solving employment problems. That this is so parents are now recognising. The numbers placed in employment show that masters also are fully,* persuaded that the soundness of our methods almost eliminates the possibility of failure by those engaged through us. Young people, when placed in congenial work, must give, the best service. In the selection of boys and girls for positions we are assisted by the considered opinions of primary and secondary teachers regarding the capabilities of thei'r pupils; and, in cases of doubt, we have the additional assistance of an expert psychologist. The committee feels confident that this organisation is working on right lines, and will be of permanent value to the young people of the community. Frequent meetings were held during the year to _ discuss the many problems connected with vocational guidance and the placement of boys and girls in suitable vocations; also, to consider the difficult question how best to occupy, to their advantage, the spare time of boys who, having left school, find it impossible to secure any useful occupation. Such cases are strongly urged to continue with evening classes and to take advantage of our organised day-time activities.

FULL-TIME OFFICER APPOINTED. The Finance Committee was able to report that the generous financial help given by the public bodies warranted the full-time appointment of a vocational officer. The committee in January, 1933, appointed Mr T, Conly full-time officer. This appointment has been more than justified, Mr Conly having proved himself an efficient and enthusiastic guide and helper, not only to the boys and girls seeking his guidance, but also to parents requiring advice concerning their children. In the placing during the year of 540 boys and girls in suitable positions, Mr Conly has done most valuable work, and his advice is now being sought more and more by employers in the selection of their junior labour. The thanks < f the committee are due to the Chamber of Commerce, Dunedin Manufacturers’ • Association, and the Rotary Club for organising a drive to place boys in office work. This effort was successful in finding employment for 104 boys. It is gratifying that the selection and placing of the boys was done through this organisation. Following several informal meetings, Messrs S. G. Smith. M.P., and A. E. Ansel], M.P. addressed the committee last August. On that occasion both speakers stressed the dangers attendant upon the problem of unemployed youth. On receipt of their official report our various sub-committees met and- considered it carefully. Later it was fully discussed in general committee, and provoked much useful thought and discussion. The report reflects credit upon its authors, and it is extremely gratifying to find that many of its recommendations embody the advice and practice of this committee, although in some parts we dissent from the suggestions made as being either inapplicable or impracticable. FARM WORK FOR BOYS.

During the year 87 lads were placed on orchards and farms. Careful inquiries are made regarding the farmers inquiring for lads, and as to lads wanting farm work. It is gratifying to report that both and farmers are well pleased with the ‘ arrangements made. In all cases particular care i s taken to see that the conditions on the farm are such as to attract the right type of lad. It is noteworthy that in ail cases the best educated lads give promise of becoming the most expert farmers. Immediately a lad takes up work on a farm we notify the local clergyman of Ijis denomination, and ask him to get in touch with the lad either personally or through some of his congregation. In this connection we feel we cannot speak too highly of the splendid manner in which the country clergy have responded. Numerous letters have been received from lads warmly appreciative of this kindly welcome. While gratified at the measure of success so far achieved, we are confident that many more lads must turn to the land for the solution of their employment problems. With the active sympathy of the Farmers’ Union we are endeavouring to direct the attention of suitable lads to the opportunities in country work. The Psychological and Records Committee has rendered valuable service in compiling records of all pupils leaving the primary and secondary schools of Dunedin at the end of 1932. A further effort is now being made to get in touch with those pupils who had left school prior to entering Standard VI. Recently a census of unemployed boys and girls was obtained through the instrumentality of head teachers of primary schools. We are now proceeding to make contact with over 200 of these who are assumed to be seeking work. During the year 300 group intelligence test booklets were obtained, and under the expert direction of Mr H. H. Ferguson, of Otago University, we are proceeding to test mentally those young persons coming to us without school records, or whose aptitudes are in doubt. This is a natural development of our work. The Activities Committee is functioning mainly through classes held in the Y.M.C.A., whose secretary has drawn up a full week’s programme of boxing, gymnastics, physical culture, and games. In the early part of 1933 they were poorly attended. but lately a considerable number of youths and young men have avaued themselves of these opportunities to keep .fit. Consideration has been given to the formation of occupational classes in woodwork and crafts, and >the matter is now receiving consideration. Tuis committee hesitates to advise the setting up ot further activities to supplement or compete with those already provided by the schools. the Y.W.C.A., and the Y.M.C.A. The closest co-operation in placing girls in work exists between the Y.W.O.A. and our officer. Sixty girls were found employment either in offices, shops, or factories. It is expected that in this direction the work of the committee will expand. The placing of girls in household work is left in the hands of the Y.W.L.A. officer. ,