VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF APPRENTICES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 189, 9 May 1944, Page 4

VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF APPRENTICES

Sitting Of Special Commission Proposals to improve the vocational training of apprentices and minors have been made by a sub-committee which was set up several months ago following a conference of about 30 delegates of all interested organizations iu the Auckland province. The report, which suggests a complete revision of the Apprentices Act and daytime education, will be used as a basis for discussion by a special commission, which is to meet in Wellington today, under Mr. Justice Tyndall. The report states that the present system of vocational training is inadequate (for both the juvenile worker and his emIployer. Industry in Zealand, it is ■ said, is being handicapped, heavily by the system, and it is hoped to implement las an alternative a satisfactory national ■■ The opinion is expressed that the time is long past when minors should be expected to undertake the heavy strain of serious technical study at the end of a full working day.' The report recommends that a period of continued general and technical education for minors up to the age of 18 should be included in the weekly hours prescribed by the industry. ’’ One full day a week should be devoted tp this, and till a minor reaches 18 no overtime or outside work should be permitted. The cost of buildings, staff, and equipment for this scheme should be borne wholly by the Government, and the tiipe spent in obtaining this education should be paid by the industry. The committee also suggested that the scope of the Apprentices Act should be widened to cover all minors. Concern was expressed that some apprenticeship orders had not been thoroughly revised for many years. The report states that some means should be devised to improve the economic status of the apprentice, such as refund of travelling expenses, payment for travelling time and provision Of tools. The time spent at a post-primary school should be taken into consideration in fixing the subsequent period of apprenticeship. . The report adds that a standardized practical test should be given after three years’ apprenticeship, and the passing of this should carry a journeyman’s pay. If the employee fails, further tests could be taken at six-monthly intervals. An employee who passes must work for the same employer till at least the expiration of the usual apprenticeship period. Revision tests may be given at the request of the employer at. not less than six monthly periods, and those who fail should revert to apprenticeship rates of pay. Independent officers should be appointed by the Government to see that the conditions of the Act were carried out faithfully. Provision should be made that each employer, wherever possible, should employ the prescribed proportion of apprentices allowed. The terms of apprenticeship orders should be limited by the Arbitration Court to a'period of not more than three years.

The sub-committee has drawn up a proposed new form of indenture. It is stated to be based on a system successfully used in Australia.