They come from the Commonwealth

In addition, there are special training schemes for West Indians and natives of India. Nearly 200 skilled technicians were brought over from Jamaica in 1941, when the need in the war factories was acute, and they were placed in employment in factories and workshops round Merseyside. A hostel was prepared for them, and a special Welfare Officer appointed to look after them. Subsequently a number of men, mainly unskilled and of educational standards similar to the skilled technicians, were brought over from the West Indies for training in the Government Training Centres, to be placed afterwards in employment with aircraft manufacturing firms in the North-west.

Significant of the co-operation between England and India in armaments is the scheme for bringing Indian workers to this country for training, and for equipping them for supervisory positions in Indian factories. The first part of their stay is at a Government Training Centre where, in addition to practical training, they have lectures on trade union organization and a theoretical course on foremanship and works management. After training they are placed with selected firms, works alongside English workers, and are lodged in good working-class homes. The first party arrived in May, 1941; up to the present 480 have arrived, and 350 of them have returned to India on completion of their training.

These schemes have more than a manpower value. It is hoped that the bringing of these people to work side by side, and to live with British workers, will promote greater understanding between members of the British Commonwealth.

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