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THE APPRENTICE

The transition of Schoolboy to Apprentice and the slow progression to the rank of Tradesman or Journeyman within engineering, was an arduous time and truly a learning experience.

 

THE APPRENTICE

 

The boy stood tall and scrawny, tow upon his head;

His arms they were not brawny, all confidence had fled.

 

The Engineers glared at him from ‘neath each oily brow;

Everywhere dark and grim, no smiles did it allow.

 

Foreman sighted on the floor, cue for some to hammer;

With the thumping din and roar, no need for fancy grammar.

 

The Boss then crooked a finger and brought him to the bench;

Said he, “Your’re not to linger, there’s the tools and wrench”.

 

“Start dismantling what you see.  I’ll watch what you do;

Any problems come to me, you’re always in my view”.

 

Thus, the days of the Engineer began on leaving school;

Machines and metal his career, Micrometer and Steel Rule.

 

Molten mass of iron poured, the lathe’s turning bite;

Tedious technicalities explored, things to get just right.

 

Cutting of the rolled steel joist, welding of the steel;

Repairs to the raising hoist, calibration of a wheel.

 

These are things the boy learned progressing to a man;

Guided by all those concerned in the engineering plan.

 

In manhood he stood brawny, cap upon his head;

His arms no longer scrawny, doubts erased and fled.

 

Monty Alexander 2.8.98

 

 

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