Ex-Servicemen Stay in Building Trades After Training

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1948, Page 8

Ex-Servicemen Stay in Building Trades After Training

(Special to “Argus”) WELLINGTON, October 12. A recent check showed that almost 92 per cent, of exservicemen who had been trained in the various builcjjng trades at the Rehabilitation Board’s training centres had remained in the trades in which they had been taught. This was reported to a recent meeting of the board. More than 67 per cent, of the trainees, who had completed their courses at the were now working at their trades with private employers. Almost four per cent, were working with local bodies, while more than 10 per cent, were employed by Government departments. Another 101 per cent, were engaged on their own account in the trades in which they had received tuition. It was stated that the chief factor influencing those who had given up their trades was ill-health. Replies to a questionaire sent out to ex-trainees early in the year indicated that trainees, on leaving the centres, were able to hold their own with other tradesmen. Good reports had also been received from many employers regarding trainees’ workmanship, and numerous enquiries were constantly being received for the services of those who were nearing the end of their training terms. Several letters showing the progress made by ex-trainees were laid before the board. One ex-trainee, working on his own account, had built nine houses. Another, within 12 months, of leaving the training centre, had built .his own home, made additions and alterations to' four other homes, wqs engaged in building a house on contract, and held contracts for four more. This man considered. that the training received at the centres in some respects gave the _ trainees an advantage over apprentice trainees.