Commonwealth-State Apprenticeship Inquiry: report of Committee [Wright report]

In September 1950 the Premier's Conference (representing the governments of the Commonwealth of Australia and all the six states) approved a resolution sponsored by the Commonwealth government for a joint Commonwealth-State examination of apprenticeship matters under the following terms of reference: (1) to inquire into and report upon whether, to meet the present and future requirements for skilled [tradespeople], having regard to the needs of a rapidly expanding industrial economy and defence, and in the light of the functioning of the apprenticeship system [practised at the time] in Australia, the development of technical training, technological changes and other relevant circumstances, any adjustments in the apprenticeship system are necessary. The Committee's inquiry would comprise such matters as the educational requirements for, and the regulation of, apprenticeship (including methods of selecting and attracting apprentices) and the terms and conditions of employment or apprentices; and (2) to make such recommendations as are necessary, and in particular the measures that commend themselves to the Committee as desirable if the requirements of Australian industry for skilled [tradespeople] are to be met. Show less