"On Test": Postgraduate Training of Engineers at General Electric, 1892-1961

Evolution of Leadership Development at General Electric

“…Engineers joining the company served a one to two year engineering apprenticeship as testers of apparatus and as assistants in jobs ranging from assembly to research. According to George Wise (1979), "The name 'Test' came to have a double meaning. While testing apparatus, they too were being tested for their fitness to step onto the ladder of responsibility, leading perhaps to a place in top management. "…”

“…In addition to learning the practical side of electrical engineering, the Test program indoctrinated the new employee with the values of the organization. Wise (1979) continued: "At the end of a year on Test, each program participant was rated by the Chief of the Test Department on the basis of such qualities as interest shown, reliability, and ability, and given a composite rating, ranging from excellent to unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the Test program was never to become the sole entry point for GE engineers, but Test was clearly the first step on the promotional ladder.…”

“…During the late 1920s, a concern developed among GE's leadership that the Test program was turning out capable engineers, but not outstanding ones such as Steinmetz, Alexanderson, Whitney, Coolidge, Langmuir, Junggren, Steensteup, and others (Wise, 1979;Mack, 1975). This concern triggered the development of a new program-the Advanced Engineering Course-to produce "all-around engineers, not specialists; and emphasis … on preparation for industrial usefulness. "…”