How Men Are Trained
Not much attention has been given to the training of garment workers, though many employers are realizing the necessity for the workers to have a knowledge of English, an understanding of the fundamental principles of arithmetic, and some industrial information.
Factory schools have been organized in some instances and workers are allowed to take some of their working time to attend the classes.
Adaptability, general intelligence, skill, precision, and speed are important in the making of a good workman.
The designers, who have been called the “autocrats of the trade,” need, in addition to a native gift of creative art, some knowledge of the technical processes of cutting and sewing, and a course in drafting. Schools of design give courses, but the majority of designers are foreigners, and but few Americans enter this trade.
Cutters are sometimes trained in schools organized for the purpose, though often they learn as apprentices, paying from $50 to $150 for the instruction. From 6 to 20 weeks is the time usually required to learn the trade.
Pressers work a few weeks on seams, and after about a year become responsible pressers on high-grade garments.
The only training necessary for a machine operator in factory work is instruction in power sewing-machine operating. Training for the majority of the processes is given in the shop, and the length of time required depends in a great measure upon the ability of the worker to learn.
The requirements for acceptable workers in the clothing industries may be summed up as follows: Ability to run a power sewing machine, general intelligence sufficient to understand simple directions, and health and strength to work full time for six days a week.