Catalogue description Unemployment Assistance Board and Assistance Board: Training Activities, Registered Files

The Training Division which formed part of the Assistance Branch was established in 1934 to carry out the responsibilities of the Unemployment Assistance Board for the improvement and re-establishment of applicants for assistance in order to fit them for entry into, or return to, regular employment. Until 1948 the board relied principally upon the training facilities provided by voluntary organisations, local authorities, and other government departments, notably the government training centres and instructional centres of the Ministry of Labour.

A few work centres intended primarily for persons finding difficulty in securing employment or thought to be avoiding employment were established, but these were closed during the war. Many trainees were volunteers, but the board had the power to direct an applicant to attend a training course or centre as a condition of receiving assistance.

After 1948 the National Assistance Board set up re-establishment centres. Welfare work was generally undertaken in association with the work of the Training Division, particularly in association with the training of the handicapped. The division was normally responsible for relations with the National Council of Social Service and the Commissioners for Special Areas.