FUTURE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Chronicle (Levin), 27 September 1946, Page 5

FUTURE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

— Press Ass/ociation

By Telegravh

WELLINGTON. Sept. 20. The organisation of education in New Zealand was, ro an outsider, untidy and difl'icult 'to grasp, said, Mr. M. 11. Oram, M.P., in his presidential address to Ihe annual eonference of the Technical Education Association of New Zealand. 1'art of the direction of the State eontrolled system of education was retained by tlie Education Department and part was in the hands of boards. which, alrhough for primary schools were more or Jess of a standard pattern, difi'ered widely for post-primary schools. The administrative arrangements for primary, secoiulary and technical schools dilfered considerablv, although lately there had been evidence of a certain amount of rationalisation in connection with the Jatter two. There was a need for a elear policy and careful plarming regarding the, future of technical colleges so that their effort s might be co-ordinated. Listed among Mr. Orani's reasons for the need for a general survey of technical education and careful planning i'or the future were: (1) The rapid advance in technology. (2) The need for a revision of the system of appreiitice training, especially in view of the commission's report and the amendment to the Apjirenticeship Act. (3) The neeossitv for plans for training technical teachers, and giving them refresher courses to keep them up to dufe and in eontact witli trade, and industry. (4) Tlie lag in scliool building. (5) The prohlem of examinations in iechnological and trade subjeets. (61 Tlie vital need of ensuring the closest iiossible liaison with industry and commerce.