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ex-servicemen under training in March, 1947, the figure has grown to 2,998, an increase during the year of 423. It will be noticed that the rate of increase (423, as against 1,135 last year) is slowing down as the newer centres gradually reach their maximum number of trainees for which each can cater. The number of men who have completed training has, during the same period, increased from 1,390 to 2,450. 31. A recent survey discloses that the 2,450 trainees who have completed training have been absorbed into industry as follows : By private employers .. .. .. .. 1,649 By Government Departments .. .. .. -. 252 By local bodies .. .. .. .. • - 92 In business on their own account in trade in which trained .. 258 In occupations other than those in which trained .. .. 199 2,450 111 health has been the factor influencing the major portion of the 199 who have left the trade for other occupations. 32. Classifying the trainees in the particular trade group in which training is being received, the total of 2,998 as at 31st March, 1948, consists of- — Carpenters .. .. .. .. .. 2,359 Painters .. .. .. .. .. 264 Plasterers .. .. .. .. . • 151 Bricklayers .. .. .. .. •. 202 Joiners .. .. .. .. .. 22 Total .. 2,998 This indicates a very gratifying contribution to the Dominion's current need for skilled tradesmen in the building industry. (b) Supply Position 33. Difficulties have been encountered during the year in arranging that the continuity and standard of training should not be affected by delays of building-supplies. As well as handicaps arising from timber, supply difficulties have been encountered in joinery and roofing, due to the tremendous activity in house-building throughout the dominion. {c) Construetion of State Houses by Trainees 34. The high standard of co-operation previously received from the Housing Construction Division is being maintained with the transfer of the control of the activities of that Division to the Ministry of Works. Since the scheme commenced, 1,239 State houses have been built by " A " Class trainees and 1,113 are at present under construction. In addition, assistance has been given to the State Forest Service, the Lands and Survey Department, the Post and Telegraph Department, and the Department of Maori Affairs with their house-building requirements. (d) Demand for Trainees by Private Contractors 35. A large measure of assistance has been extended to the building industry generally by the release of suitable trainees prior to the completion of their two-year training term to private contractors who are experiencing difficulty in securing skilled labour and who are engaged on house-building and other works of national importance. The great demand for these trainees by private contractors is in itself an endorsement of the success of the Eehabilitation Board's training scheme.

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