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EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY
development of vocational and educational work in industries.
The vocational activity of an industry has two aspects—first,
the selection of new candidates for the work
for which by training and education they are best fitted;
and second, the selection from new applicants and old
employees of those who are to be given special training for
certain kinds of work. The first phase is more strictly an
employment activity, while the latter, although also a
phase of employment, is more strictly an educational
activity. Almost every industry of any importance has
its own educational department or function. The work of
this department varies with different organizations, but
in general, it may include the following activities: First,
an apprentice course in which boys are given a three or
four year training in tool making, drafting, pattern making,
or some other trade, depending upon the particular
kind of work which predominates in the industry. Secondly,
training shops or vestibule schools, in which workers
are given a short course of training covering the
immediate work to which they have been assigned. This
work may be office or clerical work, salesmanship, assembling,
telephone-switchboard operating, bench work,
machine operating, or any work which is characteristic of
the particular industry. Thirdly, periodic classes in subjects
which are of general or particular interest and value
to employees of the company. Classes in gardening,
millinery, cooking, basket weaving, telegraphy, stenography,
English, mathematics, slide-rule reading, mechanical
drawing, are characteristic of this phase of
educational work. Fourthly, special “Training Courses
like those now conducted by many of the railroads and
larger industries which aim to give a small group of well'
