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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 centrcs 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.
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.
This 25 place temporary Adult Training Centre is staffed with a Manager, two
instructors, a domestic assistant and 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 their diligence, ability, application
and general social conduct. 50% of any profit made from work schemes up to a
maximum of £100 in any one year is credited to the Centre's Welfare Fund. The
following report has been received from Mr. A. L. Tudway, Manager of the Centre: —
"Certain basic environmental improvements have now been effected at the
Centre. These are the installation of additional heating, additional toilet accommodation
and the re-surfacing of the forecourt. The storage problem has also
been greatly alleviated by the acquisition of the site store formerly housing nursing
equipment.
Throughout the year, a steady flow of suitably diverse types of out-work
from local industry has been negotiated and executed. This has ranged from plastic
assembly work to the direct export packing of Hydraulic Rams and Kini-Guns
used in municipal and civil engineering maintenance. This Centre is one of the
few, if in fact the only Centre in the United Kingdom, which actually part
assembles and then finally export packs and crates the finished items for direct
dispatch from the Centre to the Docks or Airport. Our current export targets
list Holland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Japan, North and
South America.
Other industrial projects include the recovery and salvage operations of spark
plugs returned or rejected at various stages of their manufacture. This involves
inspection and discrimination according to their catalogue type. It also involves
the use of a centre lathe (supplied and installed by the firm), to turn the metal
body from the porcelain insulator. This process has enabled some extremely handicapped
trainees to be taught how to operate the machine. This important product
process is therefore passing from the factory to the Centre, so giving experience
to the more severely handicapped person who requires conditions akin to those of
a sheltered workshop and whose disability would prevent placement in open
employment.
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