LONG WAR LIKELY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21187, 9 August 1940, Page 6

LONG WAR LIKELY

WARNING TO EMPLOYERS SKILLED WORKERS WANTED MUST MAKE SUPREME EFFORT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlg-ht) (Received August 9, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 8 Mr E. Bevin, Minister of Labour, in the House of Commons, declaring that the Government was satisfied that the war would not end i*n the immediate future, warned industrial employers against lack of appreciation of the enormous need for rapid expansion in the training of skilled workers. This was 'necessary in order to meet the requirements of the expanding munitions programme and the maintenance of the satisfactory export position. The enemy had especially attacked the whole problem to which British employers must give greater attention. Large numbers of skilled workers are being released from the army for industry. The Government is meeting the additional cost to employers of training in the workshops and granting allowances to trainees. The conditions may demand compulsion. The nineteen training centres, working treble shifts, are turning out 100,000 trainees yearly, but the goal is forty centres, which would double the output.

The technical colleges are training 50,000 yearly.

“If the employers seize the importance of training I am satisfied that with Dominion and American assistance we will overtake the disparity favouring the enemy. It is worth a supreme effort,” said the Minister, who added that he is confident the trainees would be doubled very soon.