The Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1923. HELPING APPRENTICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1923, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1923. HELPING APPRENTICES.

The question of skilled workmanship is one in which practically every member of the community is interested. That question is the dominant factor of the ap prentieeship system undei- which youths are taught the details o£ the particular trade they may take up as a life vocation. Natur ally it is the desire of the Technical College authorities to coordinate the teaching syllabus as near as possible to the actual requirements of the various trades relative to which technical and manual instruction is given, so that the theoretical and practical work may proceed simultaneously. The move which has been made by the master-builders of New Plymouth with a view to both young journeymen and apprentices receiving the benefit of classes held at the Technical College, clearly shows that, so far as the building trade is concerned, there is a genuine desire to assist those who are learning that trade to become thoroughly capable and efficient workers, possessed of both theoretical and practical knowledge of the details of their calling. Mr. J. W. Boon is deserving of commendation for the soundness of the views he expressed at the recent meeting of employers and employees. In view of the heavy cost of education, it is certainly pleasing to learn from a leading masterbuilder that “the present syllabus is excellent,” and that by it apprentices and young journeymen can learn a great deal which would take a long time to pick up in a workshop or on a job. Moreover, he gave encouragement to the young members of the building trade by demonstrating thatif they made the best use of the classes at lie College and worked conscientiously there was no reason why they should not become, at an early age, foremen, master-builders or possibly architects. The incentive is sufficient

to stimulate the young members of the trade to attain proficiency therein, whereby at least they would be certain - of constant employment ou first-class work. It is the best that eau alone be relied upon to succeed, whether i.t be produce, craftsmanship, business or sport. Attendance at classes necessitates giving up time and energy to attain proficiency, but plenty of time is left for recreation. The use of modern labor-saving machinery in builders’ workshops has to an appreciable extent altered the scope of the employees' work and created a tendency to rely on factory made material. It would seem, therefore, that the learners should acquire a practical knowledge of machinery and its motive power, and that can also be obtained at the Technical- College. Stress was laid by one speaker at the meeting on the importance of apprentices learning architectural drawing. As all buildings of any importance are based on scale plans it certainly seems imperative for drawing to be taught. There is no reason why architecture and drawing should not be fully taught at the Technical College as part of the apprentice - student’s course, instead of recourse to outside teaching on that subject. A practical knowledge of scale drawing is absolutely essential to a first-class worker in the building trade, and should be provided as soon as funds will permit. For the present it is gratifying that at- start has been made by the builders to co-oper-ate with the Technical College authorities, and much benefit will accrue therefrom, provided all concerned work harmoniously to attain the end in view.