General Electric History: The Shop Apprenticeship System for Boys - Moulders' Course

[This is taken from pp. 27-28 of The Shop Apprenticeship System for Boys, a 52-page booklet published in 1917. Photographs are presented at original and 4x enlarged size.]

[First-year Moulder Apprentices at Work in Iron Foundry Training Section - 1x | 4x]

The making of high-grade castings is an art which requires a trained mind as well as a sound body. The importance of this branch of work is often not as well understood as that of many other occupations or trades. This, no doubt, is partially due to the fact that very few people visit the foundries and get in touch with the various processes. The problems encountered in the foundry are as interesting and important, and often quite as difficult to solve as those in the drafting room, pattern shop, and machine shop.

Any young man who is willing to be taught and studiously applies himself to the Moulders' Course, as outlined, will find positions awaiting him in the trade, as good all-round moulders, capable of producing perfect castings, are always in demand.

One thing every young man should learn, not only in this trade but in any trade, is self-mastery, for if he is unable to successfully boss himself he will be unable to boss others when opportunity for promotion presents itself.

Young men from eighteen to twenty-one years of age, and strong physically, are eligible for the moulding trade. Applicants should have a good grade school education and be able to speak, read, and write English. A test in working problems in common fractions is given when application is considered.

[Type of Large Castings Apprentice Moulders Assist in Making as Part of Their Training - 1x | 4x]

The apprentice is required to report for classroom instruction at least one session each week after 3:30 o'clock p.m. Enough knowledge of mechanical drawing is required to enable the apprentice to work intelligently from blue prints.

In arithmetic, special shop problems will be given.

The Moulders' Course covers a period of four years. Each year consists of 2500 hours.

COMPENSATION FOR MOULDERS DURING APPRENTICESHIP

First year    17 1/2c. per hour
Second year   22c. per hour
Third year    25c. per hour
Fourth year   Minimum journeymen's rate

On successfully completing the four-year course a certificate and cash bonus of $50 are given.

Updated 7/23/01

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