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The aim of the adult training centres is to train those attending to function at the
very highest possible level whether that be to work within the centre or in outside
employment. In this way the trainees become more independent and are able to lead
as full a life as possible.
Work is undertaken at the centres for local firms on a contract basis and includes
assembly of electrical components and television parts, toy assembly, carpentry and
joinery, involving the use of heavy machinery, gardening, etc., etc.
At the Brentford and Acton Lodge Adult Training Centres the trainees work a
38¾ hour week including a lunch break. They are paid on a scale ranging from 8/- to
40/- per week according to diligence, ability and application to the job.
At the Kingston Training Centre the trainees work a 35 hour week including a
lunch break. They are paid on a scale ranging from 10/- to 35/- per week.
I am indebted to Dr. R. L. Lindon, Medical Officer of Health, London Borough of
Hounslow, and to Dr. J. C. Birchall, Medical Officer of Health, Royal Borough of
Kingston upon Thames, for their co-operation and help throughout the year.
(e) Chestnut Avenue Adult Training Centre.
As previously stated this 25 place temporary adult training centre opened on the
9th September, 1969. The centre is staffed with a Manager, two instructors and a fulltime
domestic assistant/coach guide.
The trainees are provided with a mid-day meal from the School Meals Service and
thanks are due to Miss A. J. Brown, School Meals Organiser, for the excellent service
provided.
The trainees attend the centre from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily and are paid a
monetary reward from 8/- to 40/- weekly according to diligence, ability, application
and general social conduct. The following report has been received from Mr. A. L.
Tudway, N.A.M.H. Dip., Manager of the Centre:—
"Despite certain inherited environmental disadvantages of these temporary
premises a high degree of success has been achieved in the negotiation and execution
of industrial subcontract work of a suitable and diverse nature. Below is a
summary of the type of work undertaken.
The assembly of plastic drain plugs for the building industry. The assembly
of a household domestic pump for retail to commercial markets. The part assembly
and export packing of hydraulic water rams. All these particular jobs involve the
use of jigs and provide a variety of manual skills in their specific execution.
The recovery and salvage operations of spark plugs returned to, or rejected
at certain stages in the factory. This involves inspection and discrimination according
to the catalogue type and will ultimately involve the use of a lathe in the
centre, so taking the responsibility for this important production process from the
Factory to the Centre.
The above work schemes are supported by a practical social education and
recreation programme as recommended in the Ministry of Health Models of Good
Practice and given by the staff, aimed at encouraging the mentally handicapped
adult to use their potential to the full by active participation in a happy atmosphere.
A Social Training Department has been adapted in the Centre which will be
decorated by the trainees. It will house a shop and loan section which will be
operated by the trainees and be used to simulate interview situations as experienced
in open employment.
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