FOLLOWING the success of the fitter’s training course, Swindon College opened the scheme to women this week in 1940.

Mr W Blacklock, the principal at the college, made the announcement at a talk to Swindon Rotarians following a forecast made by Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour, that there would be a big demand for women in engineering work.

Swindon women on the unemployment register would be offered the opportunity of joining the training scheme which would take place in both the college and the GWR Works.

“It was not suggested that the women could be put on the same type of work as the men trainees, but would be taught simple soldering, instrument wiring and instrument fitting,” reported the Advertiser.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Land Army launched a recruitment campaign to encourage more women into employment on the land. With about 9,000 members in uniform, organisers were anxious to top the figure of 16,000 achieved during the previous war.

“There is an adequate reserve in training or being called up for training in the next few months,”

a statement from the Women’s Land Army headquarters announced.

“But we shall recruit again to satisfy the demands as it develops in the new year.