New proposals from the wool, jute and flax ITB: ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING

During the first six or seven years of operation of the Industrial Training Act, boards have been given freedom to develop their approach to encouraging training within fairly wide limits. Approval for their proposals has generally been forthcoming, and it has clearly been recognised that variations in approach are desirable, both as a means of identifying more effective methods of training, and as a necessity to meet the different needs of particular industries. The reasons for establishing boards have been stated many times, and are already well known. A number of industries recognised the need for an organised approach to industrial training prior to 1964, and had already in existence voluntary organisations concerned with training. The Wool Textile industry provides one example. The existing nucleus of training staff in the industry's Recruitment, Education and Training department became, in 1964, members of staff of the first Industry Training Board, and their work continued, but on a very much broader front. The voluntary training levy was replaced by a statutory one, and all firms were involved in a levy and grant system. As may be imagined, this met with something less than approval in many cases. Nevertheless, it did provide the incentive to improve the quantity and quality of training.