EVENING SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. 345 



months' probationary period is supposed to result in weeding out incompetent and otherwise 

 undesirable boys, but we found that sons of men holding supervisory positions were seldom 

 dropped during this period, due, no doubt, to the disinclination of the shop foreman to pos- 

 sibly offend his immediate assistants. As soon, however, as the independent educational di- 

 vision began making reports of progress of the boys, we discovered the true conditions and 

 corrected them. Today to be continued as an apprentice a boy must show ability both in his 

 practical work and in his studies. 



Mr. C. S. Coler (Communicated) : — Mr. Bailey in his excellent paper has pointed out 

 many of the modern phases of industrial training. 



We are not awakening to the need for industrial education too soon. If America would 

 build ships, we must have skilled artisans. If America would operate a merchant marine, we 

 must have trained seamen. If America would have cargo to export, we must have economi- 

 cal production and distribution. 



Broadly speaking, the main costs which enter into all these enterprises in which we are 

 so vitally interested are labor costs. Trained men, if properly trained and directed, reduce 

 the unit costs of production to a point where higher wages can economically be paid. 



In the past we have depended on Europe for much of our skilled labor. In order to 

 meet the rigorous competition there it was necessary for the men to be carefully trained. We 

 now enter a competition here which will reward the well-trained individual and the well- 

 trained organization. If we are to compete in the markets of the world, we shall have to 

 train our own men to a greater and greater extent. 



The following observations are made from experience in trades training with the West- 

 inghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. 



Work should be the backbone of industrial training. It must be dignified to a greater 

 extent in our homes, schools, and also in our industries. 



Incentives should be established in order to attract, hold and encourage the proper 

 young men. Apprentice rates should advance faster during the latter part of their course 

 than in the earlier periods. The best apprentices should be enabled to materially reduce 

 their length of training. The compensation after completing the course should be based on 

 merit, as exhibited during the training period. Trades courses should be looked upon as one 

 of the best means to prepare men for supervisory and planning positions. Opportunities for 

 promotion to work of this kind should be offered those exhibiting executive characteristics, 

 within a reasonable time after completing their course. 



As pointed out by Mr. Bailey, scholarships should be awarded those men who should, 

 in justice to themselves and society, be given an opportunity for more advanced college 

 training. 



The interest and assistance of parents should be solicited in connection with the training 

 of their sons. 



The boys should be given increasing responsibility during their training period and the 

 opportunity to meet and know some of the capable men of their trade. 



The future progress in industrial training, as in industry, lies in a quality rather than 

 a quantity standard — fewer men, better trained. 



Mr. Maxwell W. Day, Associate: — ^The General Electric Company is not a shipyard, 

 but it was mentioned in Mr. Bailey's paper, and I would like to present a few comments on 

 the part of our educational committee. 



