WE HAVE heard repeatedly that in back of any surge in scientific research and development there must be an adequate supply of trained technicians-men and women in the echelon below the scientists and engineers. We know that for every new engineer, two to five technicians are needed for &dquo;back-up,&dquo; and the need is expected to double by 1970.Schools have attempted to meet this need through the development of vocational and technical training programs; however, our efforts often have been too little and too late. Many areas of the country already have the available educational facilities, but because of the lack of money or leadership, are unable to use these facilities anywhere near capacity. To some extent the problem of providing this training is a local problem, but in another respect it is a national problem because it affects our defensive strength and economic security. Therefore, it needs the cooperative action of all schools and public support on a nationwide basis. In many instances there seems to be evidence that our system of education has not changed rapidly enough to meet the need for technological training. The related problems of training women for industry and the effects of automation need close examination. It appears that we are not doing enough for women in vocational and technical education. We need a change in attitude on the part of both the public and, in many cases, the educators themselves to provide the necessary training for the women of our country.Automation threatens to bring tragedy and social upheaval unless its implications are understood. The days of the unskilled worker are numbered, yet our educational system is producing unskilled workers by the thousands.
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