Ballarat Shool of Mines played an important role in training returned World War One servicemen via the Repatriation Vocational Training Scheme. Operating from 1917 to 1922, this scheme offered trades-based training to a large number of returned soldiers, depending on aptitude and level of disability. Many returned soldiers were unprepared for the workforce after demobilisation because of war injuries, or lost study opportunity during the years of their service. The Scheme was designed to give ex-servicemen the skills to find jobs, boost post-war economic recovery and add to social cohesion. It operated from 1917 to 1922. White paper with handwritten script in ink. The rough draft letter relates to free tuition for returned soldiers at the Ballarat School of Mines28.8.1916 Major Lazarus Secretary Returned Soldiers Association Y.M.C.A. Ballarat Dear Sir. On the 25th February last my Council adopted a resolution to the effect that application from returned soldiers for free tuition at this school would be favorably considered. At the Council meeting held on Friday last, the 25th inst., the matter was further discussed and, at Colonel Bolton's suggestion, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of the movement, if application for admission were received through your association. The undermentioned gentlemen were appointed as a sub-committee to receive such application and will be very pleased to interview any soldiers whom you would recommend as trainees. Yours faithfully Joseph A. Day Sub committee:- Col. W.K. Bolton, Mr T. Hurley. W.R. Stephenson, The Principal of the Science School (Mr E. Fenner), and the Principal of the Art School (Mr H.H. Smith)repatriation, repatriation vocational training scheme, ballarat school of mines, world war, world war 1, bolton, colonel bolton, w.k. bolton, joseph day, t. hurley, r. stephenson, fenner, h.h. smith, returned soldiers, returned soldiers association, balllarat ymca, major lazarus, world war one, repatriation

Typed letters concerning students at the Ballarat School of Mines students by the Repatriation Commission. repatriation, commonwealth reconstruction training scheme, letterhead, disabled (social services) scheme, o.e. nilsson, t. coulter, vocational guidance report, alan coulter, frank griffiths, rehabilitation, air force, world war two, l.w. loveless, r.w. richards, dick richards, m.m. lynch