Telecomm's Training (WA)
Contents
- Technician in Training recruitment advert
- WA PMG through to Telstra Technician and Lines Schools
- The end of an era
- PMG - Telstra Technical Qualifications and Training
- National Training System
- Senior Technicians exam 1945
- PMG Technician-in-Training entrance exams 1956
- Bridging Technical Officer course and selection tests 1975
- East Perth and Manning Telecom School Student Lists
Technician-in-Training Recruitment Advertisements
Go to this link to listen to a recruitment advertisement to join the Australian Post Office as Technician-in-Training ca 1968. https://youtu.be/Zz_ojSFC2Jo I doubt we will ever see training conditions like that again.
Go to this link to listen to a recruitment advertisement to join the Australian Post Office as Technician-in-Training ca 1968. https://youtu.be/Zz_ojSFC2Jo I doubt we will ever see training conditions like that again.
Yet another one! Australian post Office (PMG) joint recruitment advertisement for trainee postal clerks and technicians. About 1972 - taken from a promotional Post Office 33 RPM vinyl record.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjSqcNbMU84
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjSqcNbMU84
WA PMG/Telecom Australia/Telstra Technicians and Lines Schools
The PMG/Telecom Australia/Telstra maintained technical training centres in all Australian States into the early 21st century. As a general rule, the teaching staff were drawn from the more senior technical/lines ranks and instructor training/development was generally conducted in-house. The various States' schools operated on similar lines and offered the same types of training so I will only discuss my State, WA.
In WA there were three major sites for technician and/or lines training over the 20th century. The were located in Lord St, East Perth, Ley St Manning and the "Dunreath" site, Great Eastern H'way Redcliffe/South Guildford (This school was built on the border of these two suburbs and both were recorded). Other buildings around Perth were also drafted into service as annexes over the decades. Similarly, non-technical/management training was delivered at various sites over the decades as well, including at Manning (near the end of its working life).
It is possible that the earliest technical training was conducted at the PMG Workshops (near Murray St in Perth) but not proven. This is discussed further below under " First known WA Junior Mechanics in training (JMIT) 1914".
East Perth PMG Training School
The first recorded WA PMG Training School was located on the eastern side of Lord St (on the corner of Parry St) East Perth. The site is now the entrance to the Northbridge tunnel. The school was shared between the Lines and Technician schools until the 1950s when lines moved to the "Dunreath" site in Redcliffe..
Apart from the main Technician and Lines School offices and some classrooms in the 1941 brick and tile building facing Lord St, most of the school consisted of a collection of older and also some, cheaply built, newer structures.
The PMG/Telecom Australia/Telstra maintained technical training centres in all Australian States into the early 21st century. As a general rule, the teaching staff were drawn from the more senior technical/lines ranks and instructor training/development was generally conducted in-house. The various States' schools operated on similar lines and offered the same types of training so I will only discuss my State, WA.
In WA there were three major sites for technician and/or lines training over the 20th century. The were located in Lord St, East Perth, Ley St Manning and the "Dunreath" site, Great Eastern H'way Redcliffe/South Guildford (This school was built on the border of these two suburbs and both were recorded). Other buildings around Perth were also drafted into service as annexes over the decades. Similarly, non-technical/management training was delivered at various sites over the decades as well, including at Manning (near the end of its working life).
It is possible that the earliest technical training was conducted at the PMG Workshops (near Murray St in Perth) but not proven. This is discussed further below under " First known WA Junior Mechanics in training (JMIT) 1914".
East Perth PMG Training School
The first recorded WA PMG Training School was located on the eastern side of Lord St (on the corner of Parry St) East Perth. The site is now the entrance to the Northbridge tunnel. The school was shared between the Lines and Technician schools until the 1950s when lines moved to the "Dunreath" site in Redcliffe..
Apart from the main Technician and Lines School offices and some classrooms in the 1941 brick and tile building facing Lord St, most of the school consisted of a collection of older and also some, cheaply built, newer structures.
World War two
The Lord St School contributed to the war effort. In the period 1942-1945 it only trained 47 new "Junior Mechanics - in training" but delivered various short courses to 160 armed services "Technicians". The adjacent lines school trained 276 services "Linesmen". As reported in a "Daily News" of 1946.
The Lord St School contributed to the war effort. In the period 1942-1945 it only trained 47 new "Junior Mechanics - in training" but delivered various short courses to 160 armed services "Technicians". The adjacent lines school trained 276 services "Linesmen". As reported in a "Daily News" of 1946.
Manning Training Centre WA
January 1969 saw the first group of 119 Technicians-in-Training (TIT) start at the brand new, purpose built, building at the corner of Manning Rd and Ley St Manning, the "APO (Australian Post Office) Training Centre Manning". Over the next few years all technician training services were transferred from East Perth to Manning.
After more than a quarter of a century separation, the technicians and lines schools were re-amalgamated at Manning in the early 1980s with the closure of the Redcliffe site.
The Manning training centre was built on a former radio transmission site. Information recently gleaned is that it was the 6WN ABC transmitter. Originally opened in 1938, the 6WN transmitter and mast were located at the Perth GPO but because of the risk of attack during WW2 it was relocated (secretly?) to the Mt Lawley Golf Course. Relocated again to Manning (Canning Bridge) in 1946. It was eventually combining with 6WF on the top loaded mast at Wanneroo (Hamersley) in 1953. This version of events is at odds with the account at http://watvhistory.com/2012/08/the-6wf-story-part-2-of-3/ which glosses over 6WN history and gives the impression that 6WN was moved immediately to Hamersley/Wanneroo during the War. More information here
January 1969 saw the first group of 119 Technicians-in-Training (TIT) start at the brand new, purpose built, building at the corner of Manning Rd and Ley St Manning, the "APO (Australian Post Office) Training Centre Manning". Over the next few years all technician training services were transferred from East Perth to Manning.
After more than a quarter of a century separation, the technicians and lines schools were re-amalgamated at Manning in the early 1980s with the closure of the Redcliffe site.
The Manning training centre was built on a former radio transmission site. Information recently gleaned is that it was the 6WN ABC transmitter. Originally opened in 1938, the 6WN transmitter and mast were located at the Perth GPO but because of the risk of attack during WW2 it was relocated (secretly?) to the Mt Lawley Golf Course. Relocated again to Manning (Canning Bridge) in 1946. It was eventually combining with 6WF on the top loaded mast at Wanneroo (Hamersley) in 1953. This version of events is at odds with the account at http://watvhistory.com/2012/08/the-6wf-story-part-2-of-3/ which glosses over 6WN history and gives the impression that 6WN was moved immediately to Hamersley/Wanneroo during the War. More information here
PMG-Telecom Australian WA Training Schools Principals
James Lendrum Douglas (In training section WA 1938 - 1961)
Work history
Appointed Telegram messenger PMG WA July 1 1912
Appointed Junior Mechanic - in training 1914
Joined AIF December 1915. Fought and wounded on the Western Front
After WW1, 1919 resumed Junior Mechanic - in training, qualified as electrical mechanic before 1925
Joined training as “Foreman Mechanic Gr 1” East Perth in 1938
Retired in Nov 1961 as the Principal, Technician's Training School, PMG WA.Awarded the Imperial Service Medal (min. 25 years service) on retirement
James Lendrum Douglas (In training section WA 1938 - 1961)
Work history
Appointed Telegram messenger PMG WA July 1 1912
Appointed Junior Mechanic - in training 1914
Joined AIF December 1915. Fought and wounded on the Western Front
After WW1, 1919 resumed Junior Mechanic - in training, qualified as electrical mechanic before 1925
Joined training as “Foreman Mechanic Gr 1” East Perth in 1938
Retired in Nov 1961 as the Principal, Technician's Training School, PMG WA.Awarded the Imperial Service Medal (min. 25 years service) on retirement
J L Douglas life story
Born in Canada 1896. Died in WA 1970
James served with 3 Machine Gun Coy AIF and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in May 1917 during the fighting at Bullecourt.
Shrapnel wounds received on 24 April 1918 at Villers-Bretonneaux led to his right leg being amputated May 1918
Met his wife-to-be Ellen (Nell) Butterley at the amputees’ hospital in Britain where she was posted as an Australian Services nurse
James and Nell married in Katanning WA in 1920 but were living in South Perth by 1925 (and for rest of their lives). They had two children; Jean and Donald.
Citation: Military Medal
3rd Aust Machine Gun Coy 3rd Aust Inf. Brigade 1st Aust. Div. 1st ANZAC Corps 10.5.17
For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at O.G 2. (Hindenburg Line Reimcourt-les-Cagnicourt front) on the morning of the 6th May 1917, during enemy counter attack, Pte Douglas showed great coolness and initiative in that he, after all his gun team had been wounded and his gun buried by a shell, single handed dug out the gun under heavy fire, and brought it into action with good result.
Born in Canada 1896. Died in WA 1970
James served with 3 Machine Gun Coy AIF and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in May 1917 during the fighting at Bullecourt.
Shrapnel wounds received on 24 April 1918 at Villers-Bretonneaux led to his right leg being amputated May 1918
Met his wife-to-be Ellen (Nell) Butterley at the amputees’ hospital in Britain where she was posted as an Australian Services nurse
James and Nell married in Katanning WA in 1920 but were living in South Perth by 1925 (and for rest of their lives). They had two children; Jean and Donald.
Citation: Military Medal
3rd Aust Machine Gun Coy 3rd Aust Inf. Brigade 1st Aust. Div. 1st ANZAC Corps 10.5.17
For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at O.G 2. (Hindenburg Line Reimcourt-les-Cagnicourt front) on the morning of the 6th May 1917, during enemy counter attack, Pte Douglas showed great coolness and initiative in that he, after all his gun team had been wounded and his gun buried by a shell, single handed dug out the gun under heavy fire, and brought it into action with good result.
Edward Thomas (Ed) Ridley (1919 - 2017)
Junior Mechanic - in training WA 1935
Telephone Mechanic Bunbury 1940
WW2 served in P/T Militia Bunbury
Married Diana in 1943
Passed Senior Technician exam 1945
In Training School by early 1950s
Promoted Principal WA Training School 1962
Retired ca 1980
Junior Mechanic - in training WA 1935
Telephone Mechanic Bunbury 1940
WW2 served in P/T Militia Bunbury
Married Diana in 1943
Passed Senior Technician exam 1945
In Training School by early 1950s
Promoted Principal WA Training School 1962
Retired ca 1980
Noel Maxwell Wankey (1923 -2003)
Born Narrogin WA
Junior Mechanic-in training 1940
Served AIF WW2 1942-1946. Signalman
Passed Senior Technicians exam 1949
Joined Training School 1950s
Succeeded Ed Ridley as Principal
Retired 1988
Noel Maxwell Wankey (1923 -2003)
Born Narrogin WA
Junior Mechanic-in training 1940
Served AIF WW2 1942-1946. Signalman
Passed Senior Technicians exam 1949
Joined Training School 1950s
Succeeded Ed Ridley as Principal
Retired 1988
WA PMG/Telecom School Staff Images
The following PDF documents shows images of over 100 technical and instructional staff members from the East Perth and Manning Technicians Schools from around 1950s to early1990s. The collection is incomplete and unfortunately no lines school staff images shown (Lines school amalgamated with Technicians School early 1980s).
The following PDF documents shows images of over 100 technical and instructional staff members from the East Perth and Manning Technicians Schools from around 1950s to early1990s. The collection is incomplete and unfortunately no lines school staff images shown (Lines school amalgamated with Technicians School early 1980s).
wa_ttc_staff_ca_1960s1990.pdf | |
File Size: | 1552 kb |
File Type: |
more_wa_technician_school_staff_1960s.pdf | |
File Size: | 336 kb |
File Type: |
Errors or omissions - Technicians School and Off the Job Workshop: "Bert" Bell should read Brian Bell. Not shown (not in any order): Jim Douglas Noel Wankey (Principals before and after Ed Ridley), Paul Armstrong, Gerry Bernard, Trevor Sleader, Russel Nash, Neil McPherson, Alan Rutledge, Brian Elson, Geoff Lofts, Jim Sinclair, Keith Perry, Kevin Sharp, Cliff Pilgrim, Bob Boyes, Jack Bridges, Alf Challenor, Ken Sutton, Brendan Perkins, Jeff Dickenson, Dave Burns, Marian Windsor (Cooper), Peter Polglaze?, Trevor Hill, Graham Pillsworth, Geoff Higham, Vaughan Cusack, Joe Currulli. (added 2 Feb 2023 from reader advice) "Les Day was an Instructor in 1952 and later in the first year workshop. Les Later went to pabx Instal."
Lines School: This is an incomplete list... Similarly, please contact me if you can add any names.
(Not in any order) Derek Donegan, Gary Cullenane, John Connell, Jack Wenn, Kim St Jack, Peter Nicholson, Ron Worrell, Bruce Fellows, Bill Shaw, Des Senini, Ron Kent, John de Leeuw, Tom Cousins, Mick Cousins, Bob Wilmot, Ron Bastow, Barry Cobb, Darrell Wyatt, John Swart, Phil Matson, Ken Fleming, Kevin Hawkins, Bill Haigh, Courtney Rogasch.
If you can supply any others please contact me.
Lines School: This is an incomplete list... Similarly, please contact me if you can add any names.
(Not in any order) Derek Donegan, Gary Cullenane, John Connell, Jack Wenn, Kim St Jack, Peter Nicholson, Ron Worrell, Bruce Fellows, Bill Shaw, Des Senini, Ron Kent, John de Leeuw, Tom Cousins, Mick Cousins, Bob Wilmot, Ron Bastow, Barry Cobb, Darrell Wyatt, John Swart, Phil Matson, Ken Fleming, Kevin Hawkins, Bill Haigh, Courtney Rogasch.
If you can supply any others please contact me.
WA Tech and Lines school staff
An unvalidated list of WA PMG to Telstra Internal and external plant support and training staff from inception
An unvalidated list of WA PMG to Telstra Internal and external plant support and training staff from inception
pmg_telstra_tech_lines_schools_instr_and_and_support_staff_known.pdf | |
File Size: | 696 kb |
File Type: |
WA Lines School
The WA Linesman School started in East Perth in 1934 as part of a national effort to standardise the skills across Australia. In the mid-1950s it moved to part of the "Dunreath" site on Great Eastern Highway Redcliffe/South Guildford, adjacent to the Perth Airport.
Comment by Mr R Herbert Jan. 2016:
"In the early days, the lines training school was also at the rear of the old Lord St training school prior to its move to Gt Eastern Hwy Redcliffe/South Guildford. In 1956 the low level aerial poles were still there adjacent to the brick wall where we used to receive instruction on the Sebco masonry drill and lead plugging. The poles were parallel to the railway line." Below a 1948 photograph of 1947 intake TITs (named in a later image) and the above-mentioned poles.
The WA Linesman School started in East Perth in 1934 as part of a national effort to standardise the skills across Australia. In the mid-1950s it moved to part of the "Dunreath" site on Great Eastern Highway Redcliffe/South Guildford, adjacent to the Perth Airport.
Comment by Mr R Herbert Jan. 2016:
"In the early days, the lines training school was also at the rear of the old Lord St training school prior to its move to Gt Eastern Hwy Redcliffe/South Guildford. In 1956 the low level aerial poles were still there adjacent to the brick wall where we used to receive instruction on the Sebco masonry drill and lead plugging. The poles were parallel to the railway line." Below a 1948 photograph of 1947 intake TITs (named in a later image) and the above-mentioned poles.
An interesting article describing Linesman training in East Perth in 1952 appeared in the Sunday Times WA in June 1952. This article can be viewed by clicking "download file below". Source: National Library of Australia website.
lines_school.pdf | |
File Size: | 924 kb |
File Type: |
Dunreath Lines School site Redcliffe/South Guildford
The Dunreath site history would be a page in itself. It was originally part of a colonial land grant, first to HG Smith and then John Scott from Lanarkshire, Scotland, dating back to 1833. Over the 19th century, the property changed hands a number of times and underwent various boundary changes and subdivision. Records show that by 1904 Dunreath had become a racehorse training property. Around 1934 it was purchased by the Church family and converted to a golf club which in turn was acquired by the Commonwealth during WW2 for a wartime airfield and base. In the four decades after WW2 the Commonwealth land facing Great Eastern highway (now bounded by Ivy St and part of Apac Way) was employed as the PMG Lines School and later Workshops and the remainder of the property was absorbed into Perth's Domestic and International Airports.
An amusing legend survives from the early days of the Dunreath Lines school. It was alleged that some of the buildings were unauthorised. Getting permission and funding for new buildings from a (sometimes parochial) central administration based 3500 km away in Melbourne was onerous at best. It was easier to get authority for bricks and other building materials for training in manhole construction etc. Apparently WA did an inordinate amount of training in brick manhole construction and various buildings mysteriously appeared on the site over time. As I said, it is a legend but if anyone could confirm it, please drop me a line.
On a similar vein, Kirke Hearder (WA Engineer from the late 1930s through to the late 1960s) recalled, in his memoirs, the "double garage" exchange. Rapid population growth and demand for telephone services in the post WW2 period in WA, outstripped the ability to supply appropriate buildings. Someone came up with the idea of building "double garages" (and even triple garages) in the backyards of post offices. They were cheap, quick to erect and, more importantly, easy to get central office approval. They served as temporary exchange buildings for years until the system caught up. It was then a relatively simple case of transferring the equipment into new, purpose built exchanges and the structures reverted to their roles as garages!
An aerial image of the Redcliffe/S. Guildford Lines School adjacent to the new Workshops taken in 1975 can be seen here. Scroll to bottom of that entry.
The Lines and Technicians Schools were amalgamated to the Manning premises in the early 1980s.
The Dunreath site history would be a page in itself. It was originally part of a colonial land grant, first to HG Smith and then John Scott from Lanarkshire, Scotland, dating back to 1833. Over the 19th century, the property changed hands a number of times and underwent various boundary changes and subdivision. Records show that by 1904 Dunreath had become a racehorse training property. Around 1934 it was purchased by the Church family and converted to a golf club which in turn was acquired by the Commonwealth during WW2 for a wartime airfield and base. In the four decades after WW2 the Commonwealth land facing Great Eastern highway (now bounded by Ivy St and part of Apac Way) was employed as the PMG Lines School and later Workshops and the remainder of the property was absorbed into Perth's Domestic and International Airports.
An amusing legend survives from the early days of the Dunreath Lines school. It was alleged that some of the buildings were unauthorised. Getting permission and funding for new buildings from a (sometimes parochial) central administration based 3500 km away in Melbourne was onerous at best. It was easier to get authority for bricks and other building materials for training in manhole construction etc. Apparently WA did an inordinate amount of training in brick manhole construction and various buildings mysteriously appeared on the site over time. As I said, it is a legend but if anyone could confirm it, please drop me a line.
On a similar vein, Kirke Hearder (WA Engineer from the late 1930s through to the late 1960s) recalled, in his memoirs, the "double garage" exchange. Rapid population growth and demand for telephone services in the post WW2 period in WA, outstripped the ability to supply appropriate buildings. Someone came up with the idea of building "double garages" (and even triple garages) in the backyards of post offices. They were cheap, quick to erect and, more importantly, easy to get central office approval. They served as temporary exchange buildings for years until the system caught up. It was then a relatively simple case of transferring the equipment into new, purpose built exchanges and the structures reverted to their roles as garages!
An aerial image of the Redcliffe/S. Guildford Lines School adjacent to the new Workshops taken in 1975 can be seen here. Scroll to bottom of that entry.
The Lines and Technicians Schools were amalgamated to the Manning premises in the early 1980s.
The end of an era
Telstra closed the Manning Training Centre in 2002. The property was sold to private interests and the buildings demolished a few years later in preparation for redevelopment. Redevelopment stalled and the site was an overgrown and derelict vacant lot for many years but recent earthworks (2022) suggest something is afoot?.
Telstra closed the Manning Training Centre in 2002. The property was sold to private interests and the buildings demolished a few years later in preparation for redevelopment. Redevelopment stalled and the site was an overgrown and derelict vacant lot for many years but recent earthworks (2022) suggest something is afoot?.
Telstra is no longer in the technical training business.
PMG - Telstra Technical Qualifications and Training
From colonial times there was a formal structure of qualifications for technical/lines staff in the telegraph/telephone departments. For example, in WA in 1869, there is reference to "Electrician" - in charge of the Perth-Fremantle telegraph link. By 1888, the engineering jobs were clearly defined as Superintendent, Inspector, Fitter and Linesman. With Federation, and formation of the PMG Department, the technical roles were eventually formalised nationwide and, by about WW1, some of the technical designations (in ascending order of seniority) included Junior Mechanic (including trainees), Mechanic, Senior Mechanic and Exchange Foreman Mechanic. Following the title was a subscript describing the work area. Similar designations applied to lines (i.e. external lines and cables) staff.
In the mid-1940s the designations (but not the roles) were altered to (Telecommunications) Technician-in-Training, Technician, Senior Technician and Supervising Technician. Technicians were formally trained (typically 5 years) at dedicated schools but Senior Technician promotion was gained by self-study and an internal examination (example below). A Supervising Technician usually had administration roles as well and this was achieved through promotion from Senior Tech. It is believed the last open Senior Technicians' exam was conducted in WA in 1973 (This was for returning National Servicemen, others closed earlier), having been replaced by the Technical Officer training scheme. Higher grades of Technical officer were achieved through competitive promotion.
From the early 1970s until around 2000?, titles were changed yet again to the unwieldy (in order) Trainee/Apprentice Telecommunications Tradesman, Telecommunications Tradesman, Telecommunications Technical Officer, Senior Telecommunications Technical Officer and Principal Telecommunications Technical Officer. Since then, I believe Telstra has again revised technical staff designations but that is beyond the scope of this article. Further information on Tradesman and Technical Officer training appears below.
Engineers
Concurrent with the technical and lines structure, PMG/Telecom/Telstra maintained a hierarchy of professional engineers from inception. They held tertiary (usually electrical) engineering qualifications that entitled them to membership of a professional engineering association. I found one historical reference to "Junior Assistant Engineer" dating back to 1908 and mention of various other higher grades such as "Divisional", "Superintending" and "Chief Electrical" Engineer scattered over the first half of the 20th century. Engineers' roles tended to vary with administrative demands over the 20th and into the 21st centuries but they were generally responsible for higher level equipment and network design/dimensioning and sometimes had supervisory roles. In the PMG dep't and later Telecom Australia, Divisional, Superintending or Chief Engineers were effectively senior managers.
It is interesting to note that, in 20th c Britain, the term "Engineer" had a more generic meaning. A "Telephone Engineer" could mean technical staff akin to our "Technician" or "Lineman". Although I have found mention in BPO literature of "Technician" "Technical Engineer" and "Professional Engineers" which were similar to to our own Technicians, Technical Officers and Engineers of the same era.
I tend to refer to my own state of WA but the following technical training was conducted Australia-wide.
Telephone Mechanic
Early records are difficult to find but I understand the PMG implemented a "Junior Mechanic" course from around 1913. This persisted until the mid-1940s when it was was renamed/updated to "Technician in Training". A few years ago, I was able to briefly access the private archive of the Principal of the Technician school for many years, Ed Ridley. In 1935, as a 16 y/o trainee "Junior Mechanic" he was paid (including allowances) 78 pounds (£) per year and was eligible to enter a contributory superannuation pension scheme retiring at age 60. Upon graduating in 1940, now a "Mechanic Grade 2", he was paid £280 pounds annually. Not a particularly encouraging wage given the effort required to get to that point in his career. A quick scan of the internet reveals that, in 1940, the Australian basic wage was approx. £211 pounds p/a, a (male) factory worker could expect around £240 pounds and a senior clerk around £340 p/a.
In 1966, Australia adopted the Dollar ($). One pound (£1) = $2
Technician in Training (TIT) Course
The TIT scheme persisted from around 1945 until the early 1970s.
PMG/Telecom Technicians in that era were well trained. The TIT course was quite demanding and lasted five years. Trainees completed the first year as full-time students. In the December they were allocated their respective workplaces and then, over the next four years, completed on-the-job experience plus numerous, workplace specific, "unit courses" (short courses of one or more weeks duration). Every topic was examined with a minimum pass mark of 60%. Failure of any topic or unit was treated seriously and could mean discharge from the course if it continued. Trainees were paid during their training so there was significant incentive to perform. The training week was nearly 37 hours long and I estimate a TIT completed 2500+ hours of formal classroom training during the five years. Sample public selection tests below.
Apprentice Telecommunications Tradesman/Technician (ATT)
In 1971 the TIT course was updated to a four year Telecommunications Trades apprenticeship (ATT) that coincided closely with the formation of Telecom Australia in 1975. The apprenticeship persisted into the late 1980s. It retained the main characteristics of the TIT course and included a particular enhancement "the off the Job training workshops". In WA, students completed formal training at the Manning School and additional practical training at an alternate location in Perth. The title was altered from Tradesman to Technician sometime in the 1980s. Presumably to meet equal opportunity needs?
Training in the 21st century
If you compare the past TIT/apprentice courses to technical training in the first decade or so of the 21st century, PMG/Telecom Technicians were very well trained.
In 2014 (my last time working in the TAFE system), an Electrical/Electronics Advanced Diploma required about 1500-1700 hours of training on campus. An Electrical apprenticeship (Certificate III) required about 700-800 hours of formal training plus on-the-job experience spread over three or four years. The introductory technical courses aimed at new Telstra or NBN staff etc., offered by a range of training providers, generally involved a couple of hundred hours of training spread over a 6 -12 months period. For example, a typical course description can be found at: https://www.myskills.gov.au/courses/details?Code=UEE20711
Other training
Other related courses ran concurrently with the TIT/ATT during the 1970s - 1980s, These included:
Telecommunications Assistant in Training (TAIT). For entry level technical PMG/Telecom staff. These were conducted mostly during the 1970s. They were short duration courses of around 200 hours in class, followed by appropriate on-the-job experience.
Technical Officer in Training (TOIT). To progress beyond Technician level in the technical ranks, candidates needed to achieve higher PMG/Telecom credentials. Originally these were attained by internal examination which enabled Technicians to be promoted to "Senior Technician" and above. An early example appears below.
1971 saw the first candidates accepted directly into a course that enabled promotion to Telecommunications Technical Officer (TTO) - the retitled Senior Technician - immediately upon completion. The course was six years long and consisted of three parts; a Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Dip Electron Eng) from an external Technical College (later known as TAFE), specific telecommunications training at the Technicians School (Manning Training Centre in WA) and on-the-job experience. Satisfactory completion of the formal training resulted in appointment as "Vestibule" Technician. At the end of six years candidates were directly promoted to Technical Officer. In the case of existing Technicians who'd transferred into the course, I believe they were eligible for TO promotion on completion of the formal training? This course persisted in some form into the 1980s.
Bridging Technical Officer Course
In about 1974 the above-mentioned TOIT course was supplemented with a version known officially by the unwieldy title of Training for Eligibility for Appointment, Promotion, or Transfer to Offices in the Technical Officer Structure, This course was aimed at existing, qualified and experienced Technicians already employed by PMG/Telecom Australia. Candidates were selected by a competitive entrance test and numbers limited to available TO vacancies. The external Tech. College component was substituted with a correspondence course run by PMG/Telecom HQ Training Section based at 210 Kingsway Melbourne. Candidates were expected to complete the correspondence training and assessments in around 12 months. In addition they undertook selected unit courses conducted at their respective Technicians School. The delivery costs and duration of this pathway would have been considerably less than the above-mentioned TOIT course and it also provided a promotional opportunity for technicians. Sample selection tests appear at the end of this page.
I recently (2019) received this note from a graduate of the above Bridging programme. “In 1996, the Telecom Technical Officer Bridging Course was recognised as an Associate Diploma of Engineering (Electronics) by TAFE Victoria and certificates were issued to past students. I have one on my wall.” (This writer's note) By 1996 Telstra Learning had achieved RTO status and would have applied RPL to achieve this. This ties in with the discussion below on the national training system implemented around the same time.
From colonial times there was a formal structure of qualifications for technical/lines staff in the telegraph/telephone departments. For example, in WA in 1869, there is reference to "Electrician" - in charge of the Perth-Fremantle telegraph link. By 1888, the engineering jobs were clearly defined as Superintendent, Inspector, Fitter and Linesman. With Federation, and formation of the PMG Department, the technical roles were eventually formalised nationwide and, by about WW1, some of the technical designations (in ascending order of seniority) included Junior Mechanic (including trainees), Mechanic, Senior Mechanic and Exchange Foreman Mechanic. Following the title was a subscript describing the work area. Similar designations applied to lines (i.e. external lines and cables) staff.
In the mid-1940s the designations (but not the roles) were altered to (Telecommunications) Technician-in-Training, Technician, Senior Technician and Supervising Technician. Technicians were formally trained (typically 5 years) at dedicated schools but Senior Technician promotion was gained by self-study and an internal examination (example below). A Supervising Technician usually had administration roles as well and this was achieved through promotion from Senior Tech. It is believed the last open Senior Technicians' exam was conducted in WA in 1973 (This was for returning National Servicemen, others closed earlier), having been replaced by the Technical Officer training scheme. Higher grades of Technical officer were achieved through competitive promotion.
From the early 1970s until around 2000?, titles were changed yet again to the unwieldy (in order) Trainee/Apprentice Telecommunications Tradesman, Telecommunications Tradesman, Telecommunications Technical Officer, Senior Telecommunications Technical Officer and Principal Telecommunications Technical Officer. Since then, I believe Telstra has again revised technical staff designations but that is beyond the scope of this article. Further information on Tradesman and Technical Officer training appears below.
Engineers
Concurrent with the technical and lines structure, PMG/Telecom/Telstra maintained a hierarchy of professional engineers from inception. They held tertiary (usually electrical) engineering qualifications that entitled them to membership of a professional engineering association. I found one historical reference to "Junior Assistant Engineer" dating back to 1908 and mention of various other higher grades such as "Divisional", "Superintending" and "Chief Electrical" Engineer scattered over the first half of the 20th century. Engineers' roles tended to vary with administrative demands over the 20th and into the 21st centuries but they were generally responsible for higher level equipment and network design/dimensioning and sometimes had supervisory roles. In the PMG dep't and later Telecom Australia, Divisional, Superintending or Chief Engineers were effectively senior managers.
It is interesting to note that, in 20th c Britain, the term "Engineer" had a more generic meaning. A "Telephone Engineer" could mean technical staff akin to our "Technician" or "Lineman". Although I have found mention in BPO literature of "Technician" "Technical Engineer" and "Professional Engineers" which were similar to to our own Technicians, Technical Officers and Engineers of the same era.
I tend to refer to my own state of WA but the following technical training was conducted Australia-wide.
Telephone Mechanic
Early records are difficult to find but I understand the PMG implemented a "Junior Mechanic" course from around 1913. This persisted until the mid-1940s when it was was renamed/updated to "Technician in Training". A few years ago, I was able to briefly access the private archive of the Principal of the Technician school for many years, Ed Ridley. In 1935, as a 16 y/o trainee "Junior Mechanic" he was paid (including allowances) 78 pounds (£) per year and was eligible to enter a contributory superannuation pension scheme retiring at age 60. Upon graduating in 1940, now a "Mechanic Grade 2", he was paid £280 pounds annually. Not a particularly encouraging wage given the effort required to get to that point in his career. A quick scan of the internet reveals that, in 1940, the Australian basic wage was approx. £211 pounds p/a, a (male) factory worker could expect around £240 pounds and a senior clerk around £340 p/a.
In 1966, Australia adopted the Dollar ($). One pound (£1) = $2
Technician in Training (TIT) Course
The TIT scheme persisted from around 1945 until the early 1970s.
PMG/Telecom Technicians in that era were well trained. The TIT course was quite demanding and lasted five years. Trainees completed the first year as full-time students. In the December they were allocated their respective workplaces and then, over the next four years, completed on-the-job experience plus numerous, workplace specific, "unit courses" (short courses of one or more weeks duration). Every topic was examined with a minimum pass mark of 60%. Failure of any topic or unit was treated seriously and could mean discharge from the course if it continued. Trainees were paid during their training so there was significant incentive to perform. The training week was nearly 37 hours long and I estimate a TIT completed 2500+ hours of formal classroom training during the five years. Sample public selection tests below.
Apprentice Telecommunications Tradesman/Technician (ATT)
In 1971 the TIT course was updated to a four year Telecommunications Trades apprenticeship (ATT) that coincided closely with the formation of Telecom Australia in 1975. The apprenticeship persisted into the late 1980s. It retained the main characteristics of the TIT course and included a particular enhancement "the off the Job training workshops". In WA, students completed formal training at the Manning School and additional practical training at an alternate location in Perth. The title was altered from Tradesman to Technician sometime in the 1980s. Presumably to meet equal opportunity needs?
Training in the 21st century
If you compare the past TIT/apprentice courses to technical training in the first decade or so of the 21st century, PMG/Telecom Technicians were very well trained.
In 2014 (my last time working in the TAFE system), an Electrical/Electronics Advanced Diploma required about 1500-1700 hours of training on campus. An Electrical apprenticeship (Certificate III) required about 700-800 hours of formal training plus on-the-job experience spread over three or four years. The introductory technical courses aimed at new Telstra or NBN staff etc., offered by a range of training providers, generally involved a couple of hundred hours of training spread over a 6 -12 months period. For example, a typical course description can be found at: https://www.myskills.gov.au/courses/details?Code=UEE20711
Other training
Other related courses ran concurrently with the TIT/ATT during the 1970s - 1980s, These included:
Telecommunications Assistant in Training (TAIT). For entry level technical PMG/Telecom staff. These were conducted mostly during the 1970s. They were short duration courses of around 200 hours in class, followed by appropriate on-the-job experience.
Technical Officer in Training (TOIT). To progress beyond Technician level in the technical ranks, candidates needed to achieve higher PMG/Telecom credentials. Originally these were attained by internal examination which enabled Technicians to be promoted to "Senior Technician" and above. An early example appears below.
1971 saw the first candidates accepted directly into a course that enabled promotion to Telecommunications Technical Officer (TTO) - the retitled Senior Technician - immediately upon completion. The course was six years long and consisted of three parts; a Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Dip Electron Eng) from an external Technical College (later known as TAFE), specific telecommunications training at the Technicians School (Manning Training Centre in WA) and on-the-job experience. Satisfactory completion of the formal training resulted in appointment as "Vestibule" Technician. At the end of six years candidates were directly promoted to Technical Officer. In the case of existing Technicians who'd transferred into the course, I believe they were eligible for TO promotion on completion of the formal training? This course persisted in some form into the 1980s.
Bridging Technical Officer Course
In about 1974 the above-mentioned TOIT course was supplemented with a version known officially by the unwieldy title of Training for Eligibility for Appointment, Promotion, or Transfer to Offices in the Technical Officer Structure, This course was aimed at existing, qualified and experienced Technicians already employed by PMG/Telecom Australia. Candidates were selected by a competitive entrance test and numbers limited to available TO vacancies. The external Tech. College component was substituted with a correspondence course run by PMG/Telecom HQ Training Section based at 210 Kingsway Melbourne. Candidates were expected to complete the correspondence training and assessments in around 12 months. In addition they undertook selected unit courses conducted at their respective Technicians School. The delivery costs and duration of this pathway would have been considerably less than the above-mentioned TOIT course and it also provided a promotional opportunity for technicians. Sample selection tests appear at the end of this page.
I recently (2019) received this note from a graduate of the above Bridging programme. “In 1996, the Telecom Technical Officer Bridging Course was recognised as an Associate Diploma of Engineering (Electronics) by TAFE Victoria and certificates were issued to past students. I have one on my wall.” (This writer's note) By 1996 Telstra Learning had achieved RTO status and would have applied RPL to achieve this. This ties in with the discussion below on the national training system implemented around the same time.
Bridging TIT
Other schemes popped up as well. From the late 1970s, the TIT descriptor reappeared as "Bridging Technicians in Training". These candidates were experienced Technician's Assistants who were retrained as Technicians. Given their work experience, the course duration was shortened compared to past versions.
The bridging scheme wasn't a new concept. Similar schemes existed in the past. This author describes the "Adult - Technician in Training Scheme" of the late 1940s. It describes a South Australian example but implies it was a national undertaking. http://users.tpg.com.au/ldbutler/Adult_TIT.htm . The demand for technical staff burgeoned after WW2 and assumedly many candidates were returned servicemen.
Indigenous ATT
I also remember an Apprentice Technicians course, exclusively for indigenous students conducted during the late 1980s in WA. Surprisingly, I can't find any recorded information on this course. What little I do have is courtesy of former colleagues' and participants' memories.
Open Learning Centre
From the early 1990s, Telecom Australia/Telstra's focus shifted away from traditional apprentice and TO training. The Open Learning Centre was one strategy where targeted training was delivered. I have no personal experience with this scheme. Any details would be appreciated. Please contact me if you can elaborate. Training diminished to the point that WA's Manning Training Centre shut down completely in 2002. Other states followed. As stated previously, Telstra is no longer in the training business.
Please note: I have written the above descriptions mostly from memory (I worked at the Manning Training Centre for many years). If you see any errors or can add information please contact me.
National Training System (NTS)
In 1992, all Australian state and territory governments agreed to create a nationally coordinated training system. At the time, Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) essentially comprised eight public TAFE (technical and further education) systems run by the various state and territory governments as well as a number of external organisations such as Telecom Australia’s training section (later renamed “Telstra Learning”) and various smaller, specialised training providers.
Ultimately all VET institutions needed to become nationally “Registered Training Organisations” (RTO). One significant platform was the concept of “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) - a standardised approach to assessment of prior training or experience to give credit towards a qualification. Further information on the NTS can be obtained from the report by Kaye Bowman, Suzy McKenna (2016) The development of Australia's national training system: a dynamic tension between consistency and flexibility here
In 1992, all Australian state and territory governments agreed to create a nationally coordinated training system. At the time, Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) essentially comprised eight public TAFE (technical and further education) systems run by the various state and territory governments as well as a number of external organisations such as Telecom Australia’s training section (later renamed “Telstra Learning”) and various smaller, specialised training providers.
Ultimately all VET institutions needed to become nationally “Registered Training Organisations” (RTO). One significant platform was the concept of “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) - a standardised approach to assessment of prior training or experience to give credit towards a qualification. Further information on the NTS can be obtained from the report by Kaye Bowman, Suzy McKenna (2016) The development of Australia's national training system: a dynamic tension between consistency and flexibility here
Senior Technicians Exam 1945
This is the earliest version of this exam that I can find (from Ed. Ridley family archive). It consisted of three papers. Two are complete, one is a fragment
This is the earliest version of this exam that I can find (from Ed. Ridley family archive). It consisted of three papers. Two are complete, one is a fragment
1945_sen_tec_gen_exm.pdf | |
File Size: | 369 kb |
File Type: |
1945_sen_tec_tel1.pdf | |
File Size: | 517 kb |
File Type: |
1945_sen_tec_tel2_fragment.pdf | |
File Size: | 886 kb |
File Type: |
The remainder of this fragment of paper 2 can be seen below in the extract from the Telecom Journal of Australia June 1946. http://www.coxhill.com/trlhistory/history/australian_publications.htm
1945_sen_exmtjavol_6_no_1_june_1946.pdf | |
File Size: | 2997 kb |
File Type: |
PMG Technician-in-Training entrance exams 1956
The following pdf files are scans of the three Post Master General Department, Technician in Training entrance exams conducted in September 1956 in Perth Western Australia. Examinations of this type were aimed at Junior Certificate (Year 10) graduates and used for decades as the selection filter for PMG, TIT candidates across Australia. Competition was fierce among the many applicants. I entered the PMG in WA under this scheme in January 1965 and for that year there were many hundreds of applicants for 65 positions.
Click on the relevant download file below to open. Remember; 1956 was before the personal calculator was invented. All maths calculations had to be completed long-hand and formulae remembered.
The following pdf files are scans of the three Post Master General Department, Technician in Training entrance exams conducted in September 1956 in Perth Western Australia. Examinations of this type were aimed at Junior Certificate (Year 10) graduates and used for decades as the selection filter for PMG, TIT candidates across Australia. Competition was fierce among the many applicants. I entered the PMG in WA under this scheme in January 1965 and for that year there were many hundreds of applicants for 65 positions.
Click on the relevant download file below to open. Remember; 1956 was before the personal calculator was invented. All maths calculations had to be completed long-hand and formulae remembered.
pmg_elem_math_1956.pdf | |
File Size: | 1030 kb |
File Type: |
pmg_elem_science_1956.pdf | |
File Size: | 1072 kb |
File Type: |
pmg_english_1956.pdf | |
File Size: | 965 kb |
File Type: |
Bridging Technical Officer course and selection tests 1975
The following pdf files are scans of two PMG/Telecom selection tests conducted in 1975 in Perth Western Australia. These tests were aimed at existing, qualified and experienced Technicians already employed by PMG/Telecom Australia. Numbers of successful candidates were limited to available TO vacancies.
Click on the relevant download file below to open.
The following pdf files are scans of two PMG/Telecom selection tests conducted in 1975 in Perth Western Australia. These tests were aimed at existing, qualified and experienced Technicians already employed by PMG/Telecom Australia. Numbers of successful candidates were limited to available TO vacancies.
Click on the relevant download file below to open.
toeligibityenstranceexam_math_1975.pdf | |
File Size: | 840 kb |
File Type: |
toeligibityenstranceexam_princip_1975.pdf | |
File Size: | 1690 kb |
File Type: |
The correspondence course content outline appears in the following document
toits_br_cse_1975.pdf | |
File Size: | 842 kb |
File Type: |
East Perth and Manning Telecom School Student lists
These copies were rescued from destruction just prior to the closure of the Manning Training Centre in 2002. It is believed that all original documents were transferred to HQ in Melbourne but it is rumoured that they have since been lost. Some of these records may be in error or incomplete. Please advise via contact if you can elaborate.
Although often untidy and mismatched, original copies have been retained, where possible, to reduce risk of transcription errors.
Uploaded so far, known lists for:
Unknown data that cannot be uploaded include short course/unit courses conducted over the lives of the training centres and Manning "Open Learning Centre" trainees and any other courses conducted from about the late 1980s through to closure in 2002.
NOTE: The lists are PDF files. Simply single click on "download file" to open. Click back to return to page.
These copies were rescued from destruction just prior to the closure of the Manning Training Centre in 2002. It is believed that all original documents were transferred to HQ in Melbourne but it is rumoured that they have since been lost. Some of these records may be in error or incomplete. Please advise via contact if you can elaborate.
Although often untidy and mismatched, original copies have been retained, where possible, to reduce risk of transcription errors.
Uploaded so far, known lists for:
- Technician in Training/Junior Mechanics-in training 1935-1970
- Apprentice Tradesman/Technician 1971-1989
- Technician Assistant in Training 1971-1974
- Bridging Technician in Training 1976-1989
- Known Technical Officer in Training lists 1971 - 1988 (these are incomplete)
Unknown data that cannot be uploaded include short course/unit courses conducted over the lives of the training centres and Manning "Open Learning Centre" trainees and any other courses conducted from about the late 1980s through to closure in 2002.
NOTE: The lists are PDF files. Simply single click on "download file" to open. Click back to return to page.
First known WA Junior mechanics in training (JMIT) 1914
The title Junior Mechanic etc was described above in "PMG-Telstra Technical qualifications and training". Reading Commonwealth Gazettes implies the JMIT was renamed Technician in Training in 1944.
The title Junior Mechanic etc was described above in "PMG-Telstra Technical qualifications and training". Reading Commonwealth Gazettes implies the JMIT was renamed Technician in Training in 1944.
If more evidence comes to light I will update this info. Some of this is supposition at this time. From the above four appointees, James Lendrum Douglas (later to become Principal of the PMG training School Lords St) and a Charles Alfred Waterston joined the AIF to fight in WW1. Charles' age and background fits a Charles Alfred Waterston killed in action June 1917, so I assume they are the same.
From the early days there was a link between the training of Junior Mechanics and the PMG telephone Workshops. It is reasonable to assume that training was conducted on workshops premises. This is supported by a photograph of 1940 showing JMIT in with workshops staff at East Perth. In my opinion JMIT training was probably first conducted at the telephone Workshops located off Murray St Perth (McLean Lane). The workshops were burnt out in January 1920 here and probably moved to Lord St soon after.
From the early days there was a link between the training of Junior Mechanics and the PMG telephone Workshops. It is reasonable to assume that training was conducted on workshops premises. This is supported by a photograph of 1940 showing JMIT in with workshops staff at East Perth. In my opinion JMIT training was probably first conducted at the telephone Workshops located off Murray St Perth (McLean Lane). The workshops were burnt out in January 1920 here and probably moved to Lord St soon after.
WA Junior Mechanics in Training exam results 1921
1921_jmit_wa_comm_gaz.pdf | |
File Size: | 1126 kb |
File Type: |
Technicians (and Junior Mechanics) in Training 1935 - 1970
Most early JMIT lists from around WW1 haven't survived. These below from 1935 are the only reliable WA lists available. Enthusiastic researchers should be able to glean names and dates if they are prepared to scour early Commonwealth Gazettes, available at: https://www.legislation.gov.au/content/HistoricGazettes/
Most early JMIT lists from around WW1 haven't survived. These below from 1935 are the only reliable WA lists available. Enthusiastic researchers should be able to glean names and dates if they are prepared to scour early Commonwealth Gazettes, available at: https://www.legislation.gov.au/content/HistoricGazettes/
tit_intake_1935-70.pdf | |
File Size: | 177 kb |
File Type: |
1970 saw the last 5 year trained TIT group.
In 1971, the first group of 4 year trained Apprentice Tradesmen commenced.
In 1971, the first group of 4 year trained Apprentice Tradesmen commenced.
Errata
Corrections to lists from readers' advice (there will probably be lots of these as time goes on!)
TIT 1956: De Langville DE should read De Longville DE. Firth DS should read Firth PS. Jacobeen AC should read Jacobsen AC
Corrections to lists from readers' advice (there will probably be lots of these as time goes on!)
TIT 1956: De Langville DE should read De Longville DE. Firth DS should read Firth PS. Jacobeen AC should read Jacobsen AC
The following images are students from TIT (and Junior Mechanics) 1940 to 1970.
1956 TIT
1963 Prizewinners
1967 (Two groups)
1968 (Two groups)
1969 (Two groups) First TIT group at the Manning Training Centre
Apprentice Telecommunications Tradesman/Technician 1971 - 1989
Initially Apprentice Tradesmen, the title changed to Apprentice Technician sometime during the 1980s. This was probably due to the employment of female apprentices, as the title, Technician, is not gender specific.
In some years there were two groups, a January (Feb.?) intake and a July intake. January identified by suffix A. July B.
In some cases class images are available. These have been included, otherwise lists only.
Initially Apprentice Tradesmen, the title changed to Apprentice Technician sometime during the 1980s. This was probably due to the employment of female apprentices, as the title, Technician, is not gender specific.
In some years there were two groups, a January (Feb.?) intake and a July intake. January identified by suffix A. July B.
In some cases class images are available. These have been included, otherwise lists only.
1971
att_1971.pdf | |
File Size: | 498 kb |
File Type: |
1972
att_1972a.pdf | |
File Size: | 500 kb |
File Type: |
1973
atts_1973a.pdf | |
File Size: | 408 kb |
File Type: |
atts_1973a_comm_gaz.pdf | |
File Size: | 493 kb |
File Type: |
atts_1973b.pdf | |
File Size: | 522 kb |
File Type: |
1974 - 1982
manning_telecomm_school_1974a.pdf | |
File Size: | 411 kb |
File Type: |
manning_telecomm_school_1974b_att.pdf | |
File Size: | 234 kb |
File Type: |
att_1975a_group.pdf | |
File Size: | 489 kb |
File Type: |
att_1975b.pdf | |
File Size: | 544 kb |
File Type: |
att_1976b.pdf | |
File Size: | 315 kb |
File Type: |
1977_att_wa.pdf | |
File Size: | 4 kb |
File Type: |
1982a_att_manning.pdf | |
File Size: | 256 kb |
File Type: |
1983
wa_apprentice_telecomm_83a.pdf | |
File Size: | 5 kb |
File Type: |
1984
att_84a_updated_j_paskulich_15.4.22.pdf | |
File Size: | 250 kb |
File Type: |
att_84b._updated_j_paskulich_15.4.22.pdf | |
File Size: | 659 kb |
File Type: |
1984B ATT
1985 - 1987
att_1985a.pdf | |
File Size: | 79 kb |
File Type: |
att_86a.pdf | |
File Size: | 215 kb |
File Type: |
att87a_final.pdf | |
File Size: | 236 kb |
File Type: |
1989 ATT
1989A. It is believed there was a 1989A ATT group but info is lost. Please contact if you can assist.
1989B (Indigenous group)
89b_indig_grp.pdf | |
File Size: | 4 kb |
File Type: |
89badv.pdf | |
File Size: | 393 kb |
File Type: |
Technician Assistant in Training
Records exist for 1971-1974
Records exist for 1971-1974
t.a.i.t._wa_1971-1974-1.pdf | |
File Size: | 76 kb |
File Type: |
Technician in Training Bridging Groups
1976 - 1989. Participants drawn from existing Tech. Assistant ranks. Course duration was nominally 2 years.
1976 - 1989. Participants drawn from existing Tech. Assistant ranks. Course duration was nominally 2 years.
tit_bridg_1976_7.pdf | |
File Size: | 230 kb |
File Type: |
tit_bridg_1978_81.pdf | |
File Size: | 36 kb |
File Type: |
tit_br_1982.pdf | |
File Size: | 238 kb |
File Type: |
tit_br_1983.pdf | |
File Size: | 420 kb |
File Type: |
tit_br_1984.pdf | |
File Size: | 235 kb |
File Type: |
tit_bridg_1985__86.pdf | |
File Size: | 104 kb |
File Type: |
tit_bridg_1987a_b.pdf | |
File Size: | 246 kb |
File Type: |
tit_bridging_groups_1988_9.pdf | |
File Size: | 254 kb |
File Type: |
Technical Officer in Training (TOIT)
1971 - 1977
These candidates completed a Diploma at an external institution. The course was open to direct entry candidates but many were also existing, qualified technicians pursuing promotion. Total course duration 6 years but it is believed that this was truncated for existing technicians.
1971 - 1977
These candidates completed a Diploma at an external institution. The course was open to direct entry candidates but many were also existing, qualified technicians pursuing promotion. Total course duration 6 years but it is believed that this was truncated for existing technicians.
t.t.o._wa_1971_-_1977.pdf | |
File Size: | 527 kb |
File Type: |
Technical Officer in Training (TOIT)
1984 - 1988 Surviving lists
There is very little information available about the training of these following groups. It is believed they did the same, or similar, course to the above TOITs. In the 1988 list, the starting and advancement dates (1988 and 1992) are visible in the source document. This implies a course duration of four years - possibly when advanced to Vestibule Technician (a holding grade prior to appointment as technical officer).
Evidence is lost but it is highly likely that many candidates were recruited already with, or completing the Diploma. This would have been a considerable cost saving to Telecom.
Any information would be welcome via contact
1984 - 1988 Surviving lists
There is very little information available about the training of these following groups. It is believed they did the same, or similar, course to the above TOITs. In the 1988 list, the starting and advancement dates (1988 and 1992) are visible in the source document. This implies a course duration of four years - possibly when advanced to Vestibule Technician (a holding grade prior to appointment as technical officer).
Evidence is lost but it is highly likely that many candidates were recruited already with, or completing the Diploma. This would have been a considerable cost saving to Telecom.
Any information would be welcome via contact
TOIT 1984. There is a record of a single trainee BJ Sloan transferring from Victoria. Starting date 31/01/84. Advanced to Vestibule Tech 01/07/87. Advanced to TO1 01/04/89. Again a similar duration (nearly 6 years) of training and experience to the above before promotion to Tech. Officer.
toit__1985_1986.pdf | |
File Size: | 105 kb |
File Type: |
wa_toit_1987a.pdf | |
File Size: | 225 kb |
File Type: |
toit_manning_1988.pdf | |
File Size: | 43 kb |
File Type: |
Bridging Telecom. Technical Officer course
1974 - 1980s? Surviving lists
These candidates were existing, experienced Technicians. They were managed mostly from Melbourne HQ and local records are very sketchy. The writer of the handwritten lists is unknown but conversations with some participants suggest their veracity.
1974 - 1980s? Surviving lists
These candidates were existing, experienced Technicians. They were managed mostly from Melbourne HQ and local records are very sketchy. The writer of the handwritten lists is unknown but conversations with some participants suggest their veracity.
1974_tto_bridging_wa.pdf | |
File Size: | 260 kb |
File Type: |
1975_tto_bridging_grp.pdf | |
File Size: | 378 kb |
File Type: |
1976_tto_bridging.pdf | |
File Size: | 5 kb |
File Type: |
1977_tto_bridging.pdf | |
File Size: | 71 kb |
File Type: |
1978_79_80_tto_bridging_wa.pdf | |
File Size: | 175 kb |
File Type: |
1981_tto_bridging_wa.pdf | |
File Size: | 187 kb |
File Type: |
1986_tto_bridging_manning.pdf | |
File Size: | 255 kb |
File Type: |
There were believed to be other groups but no records survive. Please contact me if you can assist.