APPRENTICE TRAINING AIMED AT IMPROVING N.Z. MOTOR TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 October 1950, Page 7

APPRENTICE TRAINING AIMED AT IMPROVING N.Z. MOTOR TRADE

“In a few years’ time, when the training of these apprentices makes itself felt, we will be able to give you service uuch as you have never had before,” Mr S. C. Shenton, a member of the Motor Trades’ Certification Board, told Wanganui Rotarians yesterday, after he had detailed for them the advancement in the training of thp motor trade’s apprentices, There were now 1442 motor trade apprentices throughout New Zealand, said Mr Shenton. Of these 780 were undergoing daylight training. The apprentices were being trained at 41 J schools, 17 of which undertook daylight training. Besides these apprentices, there were also 294 certified mechanics in New Zealand who were attending classes to prepare for the advanced trade examination. This showed the keenness of the men to improve trade. Mr Shenton reviewed for the Rotarians the course of training an apprentice had to undergo before he could become a certified mechanic. The second speaker on the pro gramme arranged by the chairman of the club’s vocational service commit* tee to illustrate how Rotary principles could be applied in every-day life, wag Mr D. O’Toole. An employers’ representative on the disputes committee of the Industria. Union of Timber Workers for 15 years, Mr O’Toole dealt briefly with the constitution of the union and the disputes committee and outlined the latter’s functions.

Stressing the importance of close employer - employee relations, Mr O’Toole said that there had been no strike or stoppage of work through a dispute in the timber industry for .about 15 years. This was not because there had not been trouble, but because immediate steps had been taken to rectify any matters of dispute, no matter how small they may have seemed, before widespread trouble was caused. The main causes o' d ; . -nutes, said Mr O’Toole, were interpretation the award, anom-l.es in the award and pin-pricking. The first was overcome by drawing up a clearly-stated award, the second by understanding between the workers and employers, and the third by prompt action by the disputes committee. The outlook of the employers was important and the committee and the employers’ organisation had been able to educate most employers in the importance of friendly relations with the men. Introducing the speakers, Mr Hackett said that Rotarian vocational service was aimed at encouraging high ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations and the dignifying of the various occupations as an opportunity to serve society. Ho told the Rotarians how they could advance these ideals. - . The speakers were thanked by Mr A. C. Seivewright.