The Training of Aircraft Apprentices

Extract

Before asking the Lecturer to reply, I should like to ask him one or two questions.

What percentage of the mechanics now in the R.A.F. have been trained at Halton?

It would appear to me that two classes of mechanics are wanted. Firstly, those who are competent to do what might be termed running repairs; and secondly, those who are highly skilled and capable of undertaking major repairs generally. The scheme in force at present seems to fill neither of these requirements. General education is of course needed, but far too much attention would seem to be paid to this subject. The aim is surely to train out personnel who will be able to keep the equipment of the R.A.F. in efficient condition and this aim should not be lost sight of. It is presumed that but a small number of those trained will be able to get Commissions, and this being so, the present system would seem liable to engender dissatisfaction.