87
Consideration is being given to the training of boys in such trades as printing, book binding, sign writing and the other activities which come under the headings of "Arts and Crafts".
An endeavour is also being made to establish a School of Electrical Engineering. It is recognised that this will require very delicate treatment as the gap between the Electrical Fitter and the Electrical Engineer is very large and almost impossible to bridge, unless the student has a first class general education. The Electrical Fitter would probably be recruited from boys who have done two years' Trade School and then two years' Specialised work on electrical machines, instruments, cables, install- ation, etc. The demand for this class of work is at present not great, but the future large requirements of the Naval Base should be carefully gauged. Some degree of specialising in wireless repair would probably be financially sound, but a large amount of blackboard work, possibly as evening classes, would be essential for the sound working of an Electrical Engineering Branch of the Trade School.
A new Trade School is about to be opened in Malacca, but it is not yet decided what form this school will take.
(9) SUMMARY OF SALIENT POINTS.
(1) There is no special pre-apprenticeship system in Malaya.
(2) There is no permanent resident population with an industrial tradition from which
to draw pupils.
(3) The standard of education required of entrants to Trade Schools is high.
(4) Age of Trade School entrants is about 15-16.
(5) The Trade Schools supply a complete apprenticeship.
(6) The standard of skill is extremely high.
(7) The automobile repair trade is well adapted to the Trade School System.
(8) Passed students are specially suitable for accurate work such as is required for
aircraft or armaments.
(9) Students now in employment are very satisfactory.
(10) The cost per head is not excessive.
(11) Local opinion favours extension of the Trade School Scheme.
(12) The Straits Settlements contemplate Schools of Electrical Engineering, Plumbing,
Building and "Arts & Crafts".
(13) The Commercial value of English is high.
(14) The Special and Ordinary apprenticeships of the P.W.D. and F.M.S.R. are worth
study.
(15) The Technical School at Kuala Lumpur is well organised for its purpose. The
contact with "practice" is excellent.
(15) The engagement of Trade School boys at Central Workshops as improvers should
be followed closely.
(10) THE TRADE SCHOOL SYSTEM AS IT AFFECTS HONG KONG.
(The Marginal Notes refer to previous reports
No. 1-The Inauguration of the Junior Technical School. No. 2-The Apprenticeship System in Hong Kong.)
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.