The Washington times., 1914-03-26
By WILLIAM r. w00LARD.


By WILLIAM r. w00LARD.
Consideration of the resources Of
our nation has created much inter-
est and discussion the last few
years. Many statistics have been
collected and much thought has been
given to the conservation Of our
material wealth. Following In the
samc line came investigation as to
our human resources.
Many startling facts and figures
have COMB to light in the surveys
made. some Of the most startling Of
which have been the disclosures Of
tho census Of children In occupa-
tions, and the consequent large per-
centage Of children leaving school at
ages ranging from twelve to sixteen
years. It II shown that moro than
so Per cent fail to go through high
school, and in some localities the
number reaches a. high as 50 per
cent. This meager preparation for
lifc's work means q great handicap
in the competition Of the Industrial
race.
In searching for the causes Of this
carly exodus from school. 1t has
been found that 1t obtains not only
also from the fact that further
chool training leads more to profess
sions than to trades. Not half our
school training leads more to profess
|sioIs, and those who must work at
trades leave school to find some op-
portunity for an occupation.
Training of Apprentices.
The training Of an apprentice has
become more and more difficult with
the rush Of great machines and the
push of great enterprises. and SO
our youth find opportunity for the
development Of skill and proficiency
in neither school nor trade.
A realization Of this condition has
brought into our schools some
amount of vocational training. and
educators are predicting much more
in the schools Of the future. Trade
or industrial schools are being
added to the courses Of study, to
give preparation to the youthful
centive to the hand worker to re-
main longer in training.
In New York, G.. II. Chatfield re-
ports that there are 106. "a boys and
girls under eighteen years OF age IN
occupations that offer but small
compensation and little or no pros
pect for advancement or training for
later skilled labor. Investigators IN
other cities are collecting data and
the problem Of the young worker 10
being placed before us.
Conditions Are Distressing.
Conditions are everywhere distress
ing: distressing as to the numbers
employed the lack Of preparation.
tho kinds of occupations, and the
drifting Of young people from ono
occupation to another; and lastly.
the great need of help and direction
in the whole problem. -----
Frank Parsons, Of Boston. realized
the need Of this help so much mat
he devoted ais time to assisting the
bows of his acQuaintances in chOos-
ing careers and preparing for Them.
He felt that there II no part OF IKE
where the need for guidance Is more
emphatic than in the transition from
school to work-the choice Of q voca-
tion. adequate preparation for 1t, and
the attainment Of efficiency and sue
cess. He realized that neither the
child. his parents nor his tecaher.
thought enough along these lines.
and that lifework often came BY
chance without any consideration as
to ability, aptitude, or interest. It
was his great aim to have each indi-
vidual consider this important prob
lem with all the help available.
From his efforts grew the voca-
tional Guidance bureau Of Boston.
which is doing such wonderful work.