VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22244, 13 January 1944, Page 2

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE

ARMY EDUCATION SCHEME One branch of military training that is having excellent results while the men are in camp, and is likely to play a big part in their rehabilitation when they re-enter civilian life, is the vocational guidance section of the Army education scheme. Under this scheme men in camp are encouraged to take a course of study that will help to fit them for the part they will play after the war. By correspondence courses, lectures a*d practical demonstrations their natural gifts are developed and they learn much of practical benefit to their future careers. The courses cover a very wide range, embracing academic subjects (in which the universities are giving valuable help), cultural activities such as music and the arts, trades of many kinds, and all branches of agriculture. Helpful advice is given to the men, and then they are encouraged to put theory into practice. Lieutenant Thompson, who is in charge of the scheme in No. 4 Area, is well fitted for the job. With a practical knowledge of music, a keen interest in Shakespeare, and an appreciation of the arts generally, he also has a flair for discovering the men’s working interests and meeting them. He has a natural aptitude for his position owing to the fact that he was .formerly in the teaching profession and has a great desire to help the men in the forces. The Army education scheme certainly deserves the greatest commendation.