H—lB

(iii) " B " Class Training (a) General 1. As outlined in previous reports, this scheme provides for contracts between employers and trainees and the Board for engagement and training over suitable periods, in which the wages are subsidized by the Board at a gradually decreasing amount as the training progresses and the trainees' skill and production value increases. 2. During the year there has been a further substantial rise in the number of applications for this type of trade-training assistance, and the figures, showing the position as at 31st March, 1946, are given n Table VIII of the Appendix.

3. A comparison of the significant figures shown in this table with those of 31st March, 1945,' is as follows :

4. The Board again acknowledges the valuable voluntary assistance rendered by the members of the Trade Training Advisory Committees throughout the Dominion. The figures disclosed above show a very marked in in the number of applications •dealt with during the year ; when it is remembered that each case is considered by a •Committee which includes both a workers' and an employers' representative for the trade concerned, it will be realized that the amount of untiring effort which has been put into the scheme by the members of the Committees is considerable. The Board is highly appreciative of the help and co-operation so willingly given by all concerned, and wishes its gratitude to be placed on record. 5. Certain trades, such as boot-repairing, watchmaking, jewellery-manufacturing, •&c, are peculiarly suited to the needs of disabled men, and, so far as reasonably possible, training in such vocations is reserved for ex-servicemen suffering major disabilities. 6. There is a gradually increasing number of trades and occupations in which saturation point in regard to capacity to absorb additional trainees is being approached, •or in which, for other reasons, proposals to train additional men must be viewed with reserve. For example, large numbers of men have received extensive training as •electrical wiremen, radio technicians, fitters and turners, motor mechanics, and even •dental mechanics, during their military service. As it was clear that a substantial proportion of this reservoir of trained or semi-trained men was likely to seek civilian •employment in a similar capacity, the decision was made not to favour applications for training in these trades from men who were unable to show that they already had a sound background of pre-service or military experience in the particular trade concerned. As regards the assessment of minimum trade credits necessary before subsidized training is approved, particular mention must be made of the helpful co-operation of the New Zealand Motor Trade Certification Board, Electrical Wiremen's Registration Board, .and various District Apprenticeship Committees. (b) Public Works Department Trade Training Scheme In the report for last year the extension of the " B " Class training scheme to railway ex-servicemen employees returning to the Department was recorded. A somewhat similar scheme has now been extended to ex-servicemen employees of the Public "Works Department under substantially comparable conditions.

11

As at 31st March, Increase for Year. 1946. 1945. i Trainees in training - Training completed 1,410 133 626 46 784 87 Totals 1,543 672 871