TECHNICAL NIGHT CLASSES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 96, 7 August 1945, Page 4

TECHNICAL NIGHT CLASSES

INSTRUCTION FOR APPRENTICES

INTERESTING MECHANICAL

SERIES

With the object of raising the ability of apprentices to the motor trade employed in the various garages in Wha'katane and Opotiki ? night classes in both the theoretical and practical side of the trade are being held in Whakatane. The classes, which occupy two hours per week on Thursday p.vening& and which were first instituted in September of 1944, are attended by 21 boys including six from Opotiki. They' were first formed, with the idea of fostering the trade of the motor industry, and local .garage proprietors report very favour.ably as to the. improvement shown in the ability of their apprentices to cope efficiently with more advanced work as the result of their attendance. The idea of holding the classes sprung from the need for such an institution—a need which is fulfilled in a number of other centres by technical and engineering schools with full-time instructors. In conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, the local garage proprietors contacted the Education Department who agreed to the setting up of night classes provided instructors could be found locally. This was not an insurmountable, and before long, classes were functioning once a week, with the attendance of all apprentices compulsory. Tlic entire syllabus covers a three, years' course including the theory and practice of machinery, automotive electricity, and mechanical instruction. Instructors for these subjects are respectively Messrs T. Hanisen, F. M. Abbott and A. O'Rotirke. The instruction received is not merely given in the form of lectures but includes special films and practical of such a nature, that coupled with the five years' apprenticeship, boys should have no difficulty in passing the "A" Grade Examination when they have completed their time. It is hoped that at some, future date a permanent technical department catering for boys wishing to enter any branch of the engineering trade will be established in Whakatane with a permanent full-time instructor in order that not only garage apprentices, but also boys still attending school will be able to take advantage of it. In the meantime, the night classes are doing splendid work by way of increasing the' ability of present apprentices and a motorist may now feel much more at ease when a lad comes forward to fix his auto, safe in the knowledge that the job will be done, and done properly.