TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 108, 9 May 1934, Page 7

TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, May 8. In his presidential address to the annual conference of the New Zealand Technical {School Teachers’ Association to-day, Mr. T. L. James reminded his hearers of the need for contact between the school and the world of work, and pointed to some of the ways of co-operating and to the benefits accruing therefrom. At the present time the thought was that the schools must take a long view of the pupil’s possible career and advise accordingly. A smart pupil was the one who would benefit most by continued education, yet he was the one who would best fill a vacant position. There was a danger therefore, in a time of uncertainty like the present for such pupils to leave school too soon in the anxiety to secure employment. Mr. James also referred to the breakdown in the apprenticeship system. He said that the status of tradesmen should not depend on the number of years spent at a trade, but upon the standard of attainment having been reached. He said that when vocational guidance became general vocational guidance officers would be able to do something as practical economists towards keeping the supply of various kinds of skilled labour equal to the demand. .