334 AMERICAN SHIPYARD APPRENTICESHIPS, 



Bonus. — At the end of the apprenticeship course it is usual to provide a bonus, varying 

 from $50 to $100, for satisfactory completion. In some cases where the apprentice is 

 obliged to leave before the completion of this time, otherwise than due to the neglect of duty, 

 disobedience of rules or other improper conduct, the apprentice is paid such portion of this 

 sum as the time served bears to the total term of apprenticeship. 



The yards reserve the right, in their discretion, to terminate an apprenticeship and dis- 

 charge the apprentice for cause or improper conduct, and some of the yards reserve the right 

 to suspend or change the hours of labor as commercial conditions render advisable, or, when 

 necessary to reduce the working forces, to dispense with the services of the apprentices by 

 suspension or dismissal. 



It is becoming a practice to provide for a regular and frequent change of occupation 

 for each apprentice in order to give a varied experience. 



With a further view to increasing the apprentice's general knowledge of shipbuilding 

 and marine engineering it has been suggested that small divisions of the apprentices, accom- 

 panied by an instructor, spend a portion of one school session weekly in visiting the various 

 shops, divisions and departments of the yard to observe the important operations of work. 



At the completion of the term it is usual to present the apprentice with a diploma, which 

 should be attractively and suitably engraved and signed by an official and the superintendent, 

 certifying that the apprentice has completed his course as an apprentice in such and such a 

 trade. ( See Plate 74. ) 



Owing to the large increase in interest in the American merchant marine during the last 

 few years, it has seemed advisable to make the apprenticeship courses more attractive and 

 more valuable as a means of training men for shipbuilding and engineering work. There has 

 therefore been an increase in the opportunities given to the apprentices in the yards as a means 

 of providing better satisfied, more skillful workmen. It is usual and well to take apprentices 

 largely from the families of the employees, which tends to reduce the turn-over. 



The courses are therefore becoming more inviting to the boys, both from an educational 

 and social standpoint. The apprentices are encouraged to organize themselves into associa- 

 tions with duly elected officers, which of itself adds considerably to the education of the ap- 

 prentice and to his general knowledge of affairs. A large number of questions are settled by 

 these associations, as they are self-governing to a considerable extent. The apprentices 

 thereby, if properly supervised, learn many of the essentials of good citizenship. They pro- 

 mote sports and athletics and the spirit of rivalry throughout the organization and with 

 other employees of the yard in games, such as football, basket-ball, baseball, etc. The value 

 of such work is seen in the splendid physique, bearing and manliness observed in many of the 

 boys. 



As will be noted, there is a growing endeavor to stimulate interest and good work by 

 means of competition and prizes or credits for meritorious work. 



Evening Schools. — In addition to the apprenticeship schools some yards in conjunction 

 with the industrial Y. M. C. A. of the community or with other organized bodies or vocational 

 schools, conduct evening classes to which the apprentice boys may or may not be eligible. 

 These classes are not usually self-supporting. They should have the highest grade of talent 

 in the director and in the teachers ; and frequently this is easily obtained in large yards by 

 drawing on the trained, technical college graduates, who are willing to give their time for a 

 reasonable remuneration. Such schools are largely attended by workmen and young women, 

 and some of the apprentices also take advantage of them for advanced work and for 

 fitting for college. Their success depends upon the character of the director or supervisor. 



