WAR INDUSTRIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 November 1940, Page 4

WAR INDUSTRIES

SPECIAL TRAINING SCHEME. MEN TO BE PREPARED FOR SKILLED WORK. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. An announcement that a scheme had been prepared whereby special training would be given to prepare skilled workers for essential war industries was made on Saturday by the Minister of Labour, Mr Webb. “In order that skilled labour may be available in industries engaged on essential war work,” said the Minister, “investigations have been made by a committee of experts comprising representatives of employers and workers, and the Government Department concerned, into the question of speeding up training. A scheme has been prepared which will afford facilities in those branches of industry where the definite need for skilled men exists. “A start will be made in the engineering industry in the Wellington district. It is proposed to invite applications forthwith from those workers who are not eligible for immediate military service and who have some aptitude for mechanical work. A committee comprising a representative of employers and workers, together with the Secretary of Labour and the Superintendent of Technical Education will select from the applicants the requisite number of trainees. “The scheme provides for a period of intensive training in workshop practice at the Technical College under special instructors, the period varying according to the aptitude of the worker. On completion of the period of training the worker will be drafted into the less skilled grades of the industry, enabling employers to adopt a process of grading up in respect of workers already in the trade. During the period of training an allowance will be paid. On being drafted into the industry the persons so trained will be regarded as an auxiliary worker, and will be paid award rates of wages. “A committee representing employers. the workers' union, and a representative of the Department of Labour will watch the progress of the auxiliary worker till the worker becomes efficient in the trade. “The scheme provides an excellent opportunity to workers who desire to assist in the Dominion's war efforts and at the same time to acquire training and knowledge in a skilled trade,”!