.. Training School ..

Grange Works was particularly proud of its Training School.

In its infancy it was most primitive, as might be expected, but gradually, through much hard work and perseverance, it became established, and finally was a well equipped School with competent Instructors.

No green labour was admitted to the Factory direct, Each employee had first of all to go through the School. They were given careful instruction, familiarisation with the use of tools, machines, basic engineering terms, and in addition given talks on safety and the use of the Surgery. Everything possible was done to make them `engineering minded` and prepare them for factory life.

Training was specialised, each trainee being instructed for the job for which he or she was suited, and during their stay at the School were paid a special rate.

When the Chief Instructor was of the opinion that the trainee had reached the stage for transfer into the Factory, he or she was sent out into the appropriate Shop for a probationary period. Not until the Instructor and Shop Supervisor were satisfied that the trainee was qualified for the rate paid for that specific job was the official transfer arranged.

As each trainee left the School, he or she was presented with a Grange Works Training School Certificate containing the observations of the Chief Instructor regarding their ability. This was counter-signed by the General Manager, and it was intended that the Certificate could be used as a form of testimonial by the trainee.

In connection with the Industrial Exhibition held at Pontypool in 1945, the Chief Instructor was responsible for the preparation for exhibition of components manufactured at Grange Works.