Industry TODAY. FINANCE ANALYST San Jose, California I .1 .Y

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At Work in Industry TODAY. FINANCE ANALYST San Jose, California i_ .1 .Y ......

ENGINEERING ASSISTANT CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE WORK GROUP LEADER Salem, Virginia _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~New .York, New York q..... St.:'w~Petersburg, Florida

TELETYPE OPERATOR MACHINIST APPRENTI Iflz-% ONNEL SPECIALIST Louisville, Kentucky Cleveland, Ohio |INSTITUTE OFI ARDUSTYAL Cincinnati, Ohio

. VW ENGINEERING MANAGER AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST QUALITY CONTROL SUPERVISOR Pittsfield, Massachusetts Schenectady, New York Philadelphia, Pennsylvania At Work in Industry Today THIS IS A BOOKLET about some of the men and many Negro young people.. "It isn't enough for us to women who work for the General Electric Com- tell them about good job opportunities," we've been pany. told. "You have to show them." Maybe this booklet They have jobs in sales, as secretaries, as engineers, will help. as factory workers, as managers. Some of the men and women in this booklet did Some work with familiar products like electric irons drop out of school. Each has regretted it. One (who and refrigerators and radios. Others work in strange now holds a well-paying, high-skill job) told us: "I've new fields like nuclear electronics, outer space proj- spent 15 years just trying to catch up. I put in seven ects, and supersonic jet engines. years in night school, and that's not easy when you've Some have worked for General Electric for many got a full-time job and a family to raise. And even years. Some are just starting their careers in industry. now I ask myself 'How far would I have gone if I'd Some work in the older General Electric plants in stuck to the books 15 years ago?"' The progress road the northeast where General Electric began in the has been rocky for the man or woman who dropped 19th century - in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Penn- out of school too soon - and because jobs are getting sylvania, New York. Others work in states in which more complicated all the time, the way is getting even General Electric plants are relatively new -in Cali- rougher for any school dropout - white or Negro. To fornia, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, etc. the dropout we can only say: Try to go back, or Some are high school graduates. Some are gradu- try for night school, or try the many industrial train- ates of top-flight colleges and universities. Some ing centers which are doing a good job in many cities. dropped out of school too soon-and have had a hard The sooner the better! time overcoming their lack of formal education. And how about the Negro youth who does care, All have one thing in common. They are Negroes. who does well in high school and earns his diploma? We are telling you about their jobs and their back- The Negro men and women who have made the great- grounds to show you the kinds of jobs that capable est progress with General Electric are those who have Negro men and women can hold in General Electric looked on graduation from high school as a milestone and in industry. We are talking about today. As these in education -'but not the end. They've gone on to words are written, each of these men and women is at secretarial schools, to trade schools, business schools. work-designing, typing, drafting, repairing, manag- They've taken advantage of training offered by large ing, planning, selling, working standard machinery, or companies and the Armed Services. operating some of the most complex equipment the And, of course, some have gone on to college. world has ever known. However, college deans tell us that many outstanding It has been thus for many, many years. Back in Negro students shy away from courses which would 1935, the man who was then president of General lead to careers in industry. "They're uncertain about Electric, Gerard Swope, wrote: their chances in industry, so they tend to move into "There shall be no discrimination by foremen, superin- such fields as medicine, law, the ministry, dentistry, tendents, or other executives of the Company against any and teaching," we're told. America needs outstanding employee because of race or creed, or because of an employee's membership in any fraternity, society, labor organi- doctors, lawyers, clergymen, dentists, and teachers, of zation, or other lawful organization." course. But this industrial nation also needs young These, of course, are the words and the spirit that people-white and Negro-who can become outstand- General Electric people try to live by. ing economists, factory supervisors, scientists, adver- This doesn't mean that General Electric is perfect. tising writers, product designers, sales representatives, Even today we sometimes find the cobwebs of old auditors, and electrical engineers. Maybe this booklet worn-out antagonisms. What it means is that we have will help here, too. been trying for a good many years to live up to high To the young Negro, we say this: Can you find standards of fairness in hiring and in employee prog- your own "success image?" Can you put yourself on ress. If we're not perfect - we're certainly not compla- one of these pages? Do you have the desire? The will- cent. We're still trying to make progress - and com- ingness to bring out the best in yourself? The deter- placency is the enemy of progress. mination to get the essential education and training? That's the main reason for this booklet. Yes? Then we at General Electric believe that you Many white and Negro educators have told us that can look forward to a career in industry - a career in years of hopelessness about the future have produced which success is not based on race, but on your own a "don't care" attitude toward good grades among ability, education, and ambition.

1 Judge F. Allen

He practices what he preaches about personnel development

"Don't lose faith in yourself when confronted with obstacles and disappoint- ment. Remain relentless." This is the advice Judge F. Allen volunteers when questioned on how to get ahead in industry. He should know. He's in charge of personnel development at General Electric's Re-entry Systems Department in Philadelphia, and he has long followed his own advice. business proved to be neither as satis- vanced to supervisor and then to man- College seemed out of the question fying nor rewarding as anticipated. ager of these and related functions. when Mr. Allen was graduated from After qualifying through competitive Today Mr. Allen is responsible for Philadelphia's Darby High School. He examination, Judge Allen took a job all professional and managerial devel- didn't have the money. He went to with the Pennsylvania State Employ- opment programs at the Re-entry Sys- work in local shipyards, then enlisted ment Service. During his four years tems Department (part of the GE in the U. S. Coast Guard in 1943, with the agency as an employment Missile and Space Division), together serving in the South Pacific. interviewer and counselor, he reas- with the administration of training At the end of World War II, he re- sessed his goals. "People," he decided, programs and the Department Tuition solved to get a first class education. "are far more interesting and complex Refund Program for employees. With the help of the G.I. Bill of Rights than real estate." His interest in people goes beyond he enrolled in Temple University's He accepted a job with the Philadel- his job. He has worked closely with the School of Business Administration and phia Urban League as industrial and Reverend Leon Sullivan in developing received his B.S. degree from there in vocational service secretary. training programs for the Opportuni- 1950. In 1960, he entered industry. He ties Industrialization Center - a school After college he went to work with accepted a post as a placement repre- founded by Reverend Sullivan to fight the Veterans Administration as an in- sentative in employee relations in Gen- unemployment among Philadelphia's surance accountant and worked nights eral Electric's fast-growing Missile and lower income citizens. Also, by partici- in a real estate office. Three years Space Operations in Philadelphia. He pating in scores of career guidance later, he switched to a full-time job in recruited, interviewed and evaluated seminars and conferences in area real estate, working as an aircraft sheet salaried and hourly applicants. He also schools, Judge Allen has helped moti- metal worker at night. was responsible for the evaluation of vate many students to continue their But his venture into the real estate the manpower requirements. He ad- education. * * u

Barbara Beasley

Keeping nationwide track of orders for General Electric appliances

You've heard of people counting sheep Park in Louisville, Kentucky. She han- to get to sleep. But did you ever hear dles the transmission, receipt, and con- of anyone who counts appliances? firmation of orders forAppliance Park's That's what Barbara Beasley often huge distribution warehouse. You can finds herself facing during her night- realize the complexity of the task by time musings. It's really little wonder the fact that this one central storage though, because in a normal day Miss and shipping operation services every Beasley will be involved with many General Electric major appliance dis- thousands of appliances-of all shapes tributor in the United States. and colors. Miss Beasley's day is fairly well di- She is a teletype operator at the vided between routing incoming orders world's biggest appliance manufactur- to the right spot and getting out con- ing plant, General Electric's Appliance firmation messages on orders available 2 for shipment. In a sense, she's right in 1953. She wasn't fond of secretarial- she first chose the teletype specialty, the middle of a communications net- type work and didn't care to be a sales her training in this field was a valuable work that links the manufacturing and clerk for the rest of her life, so she asset. When she applied at GE, the sales forces. cast her lot with the Navy. interviewer quickly noted her skilled Her work requires extreme accu- Her solid academic background and background and gave her a battery of racy, because a wrongly routed message high test scores qualified Seaman Beas- proficiency tests. She sailed through or inaccurate confirmation message ley for advanced training after comple- these with little trouble and before could result in the loss of a sizable sale. tion of basic training. Miss Beasley long she found herself in the midst of The job also demands someone who chose the Navy's Teleman School be- the appliance business. can work quickly under the pressures cause, as she put it, "I felt this type of She started at GE with a healthy that abound in this fast-paced opera- special training would equip me for a increase in pay over her former job tion. good job when my Navy time was up." and in the two years since her pay has Barbara joined GE in May, 1962, She quickly demonstrated her prow- been increased twice. after previous experience with the U.S. ess as a teletype operator during the A personable and attractive young Department of Agriculture in Mary- training period, and before she was lady of 29 (she doesn't mind admitting land and the County Clerk's office in discharged from the Navy she had it), Miss Beasley represented her de- Louisville. worked her way up to a Teleman, 2nd partment on Appliance Park's prize- A native of Louisville, she was grad- class. winning float in the 1964 Kentucky uated from Central High School in As Barbara Beasley suspected when Derby Festival Parade. * * .

Robert J. Blalock

Temporary 'Progressland' job at World's Fair whets his interest in permanent Company position

"Dropping out of high school today is just like losing an arm or a leg. In fact it's getting so you practically need a master's degree really to get some- where." So says Robert J. Blalock, purchasing agent at General Electric's Prog- ressland at the New York World's Fair. from Hofstra University on Long constantly. His military service, partic- When he started in April, 1964, at the Island by the time the Fair closes in the ularly, was conducive to study. But he pavilion, he was a host captain, but he fall of 1965. left the Air Force, as he explains it, was shortly promoted to the purchas- "Then, maybe, I can get on one of "because after seven and a half years of ing job-by June 1. As the buyer, every the General Electric training pro- military life, I decided it was time to penny spent on the exhibit goes through grams," he says. "I've heard a lot about sample the civilian brand of living." him-whether it be for uniforms, furni- them since I joined Progressland." He's As a bachelor, he wanted a job at the ture, maintenance expense or a myriad hoping that eventually his language Fair so that he could have time in the of other requirements. "The job has skills will also help him in a Company winter to go to school. After applying been a liberal education for me," he with business interests all over the through the New York State Employ- says. world. He speaks French fluently and ment Board, he landed with General Bob Blalock already has had a for- knows Russian and Turkish. Electric, his first civilian employer. midable formal education, with tours at Mr. Blalock's emphasis on education "I'm glad GE picked me," Mr. Bla- Central State College, Wilberforce, has been nurtured by his family back- lock says. "I enjoy it here." Ohio; Syracuse University; University ground. His father is a Baptist minister, He finds more variety and oppor- of Maryland; and the University of with a church in the Bronx. A younger tunity in civilian life than the military. Nancy in France. All but the two-year brother and sister attend college in the However, racial problems, he finds, are Central State stint occurred during his New York City area. Bob Blalock says: less prevalent in the military. But he seven and a half years in the U.S. Air "I think my parents have dinned educa- adds: Force where he served in the Security tion into me since the day I was born "My experience thus far at Progress- Service. By adding up his various edu- (August 24, 1935, in Monroe County, land has taught me this: Try to look cational activities, he qualifies as a first- Georgia) ." for the best qualities in each person. semester senior in college. He hopes to Since then, he has been getting edu- If you do, you will usually find you get get his degree in accounting and finance cation of one kind or another almost along better." a * U 3 John W. Blanton Jet-age manager looks to future of flight propulsion systems

When John W. Blanton joined General To expand his knowledge in the field Electric in 1956, he brought with him of flight propulsion, he moved in 1945 a wealth of knowledge which was put to Fredric Flader Inc., North Tona- to immediate use in the conception and wanda, N. Y., as chief thermodynamics design of new advanced turbojet power- engineer. plants for some of the nation's mightiest Broadened through this experience, jet planes. Mr. Blanton returned to Bell in 1950 His efforts, first as a preliminary to direct research programs on new design specialist, later as manager of rocket propulsion systems. preliminary design, and currently as With this background, he was manager of Advanced Component equipped to help General Electric meet through career conferences, etc., to set Technology at Evendale, near Cincin- the challenges it faced in the post- high educational and career goals and nati, Ohio, have played a significant Korean War period for designing new work hard toward achieving these part in helping GE maintain a pre- and improved jet engines for the com- goals, so that they may enjoy the many eminent role in the jet engine business. mercial and military markets. rewards that lie ahead. Increasing sala- In his present position with the Today, his job is to anticipate the ries are one form of reward, but, Advanced Engine and Technology De- needs of flight propulsion systems years equally important, are the rewards from partment Mr. Blanton heads an organi- ahead of their actual use, and to have a sense of achievement. zation of some 70 highly qualified the right components or engines ready "My interest in helping people pre- technical people. for application at the right time. pare and improve themselves goes far Preparing for his key position in the He comments: "Literally thousands beyond high school students. I have had Flight Propulsion Division has involved of technically trained people will be the pleasure and honor to serve on the many years of work and study on Mr. needed to fill the available positions in Technical Education Advisory Council Blanton's part. the expanding industrial world. at General Electric's Evendale plant. When he earned his mechanical en- "Excellent career opportunities exist In this capacity I have helped select gineering degree from Purdue in 1943, now, and will in the future, for young and plan technical courses for further Mr. Blanton joined Bell Aircraft Cor- men and women who prepare them- education and improvement of skills of poration in Buffalo, N. Y., as a research selves for the challenges ahead. I have our employees. This has been a gratify- engineer. tried to encourage high school students, ing experience." * . ,

appraisals of systems and components Ernest A. Bouey of all department programs, together with consultation for the development work. Veteran engineer explains a His latest assignment has been to develop and integrate the creative engi- Nimbus weather satellite model neering philosophy of Value Engineer- ing into the research and development engineering methods in RSD. It's been a busy 20 years since veteran Ernie Bouey and his wife live in engineer Ernest Bouey first signed on Strafford, a Philadelphia suburb, with as a young engineer with the General their three children, two girls and a boy. Electric Company and thus became the Mrs. Bouey teaches English at Cones- first Negro to be placed on the engi- toga High School in Berwyn, Pennsyl- neering staff. He joined GE's Engineer- New York, where GE first entered the vania. ing Test Program at Schenectady imme- rocket and space field. He did basic re- Winter week-ends mean family ski diately upon graduating from New search and development work in rocket trips to the Adirondacks and Poconos- York University with a degree in me- engines and propulsive devices. After with the summer used for camping and chanical engineering. At various stages Malta, he spent four years in Johnson water skiing in their outboard run- of his industrial career, he accomplished City, N. Y., as a production design about. graduate study at Rensselaer Polytech- engineer for radar-controlled aircraft A regular participant in RSD's nic Institute, and Union College, in the gun systems. Speakers Bureau, Mr. Bouey has ful- subjects of rocket and jet propulsion In 1956, Ernie Bouey joined the Re- filled over 200 speaking engagements theory and advanced thermodynamics. entry Systems Department in Philadel- since joining the Company. With his His assignment on the Engineering phia. As a systems analysis engineer, he own experience for background, he Test Program was interrupted by a applied his talents to ballistic missile maintains strong interest in the im- leave to work on the Manhattan Project systems, communication, weather, as- provement of race relations, particu- atomic bomb for a year and a half tronomical and other space vehicle sys- larly in the area of housing. Frequently during World War II. tems in the capacity of a design review participating in radio and TV presenta- Mr. Bouey's first postwar assignment engineer. He chaired the Design Re- tions on ethnic problems he has proved was at the Malta Test Station in upstate view Board which provided technical an authority on the subject. a. a 4 George Burke Mr. Burke has been a leader-janitor, spray painter, material handler, and rises to conveyor inspector. "With a high He from janitor skilled school education," he says, "it is pos- repairman in radio component sible to take advantage of special courses like those offered by General Electric to help you improve yourself." George Burke has received five pro- He believes that "parents should see motions in 14 years since he first joined to it that their kids stay in school-even the Radio Receiver Department as a if the kids don't care to themselves." janitor. He also thinks that parents should serve He's now a well-paid repairman in as models because "kids need an exam- the Utica, N.Y., department. "Get at ple to follow-a person they can try to least a high school education," he ad- imitate in order to improve themselves vises others seeking employment in in- and have a better life." dustry. "Develop a skill for which there George Burke, himself, has one will be a continuing need in the future. child, and he and his wife are trying to Keep studying and developing your practice what they preach. skills. It's necessary to produce and try would still be sweeping the floor." Mr. Burke was born in 1923 in to do a good job to keep that job. If I In between his initial janitor's job Augusta, Ga., and came to Utica and hadn't and kept producing trying, I and his current position as repairman, General Electric in 1950.. * a

Thomas Carter AAd, Using 'golden rule' to service GE appliance customers

When Tom Carter gets a call, that call on an "out-of-order" refrigerator- means a General Electric customer has and then finds that the customer simply a problem. Mr. Carter's job is to get forgot to plug it in. the problem solved as efficiently and Mr. Carter has been a serviceman quickly as possible. Mr. Carter, a 17- on General Electric appliances since year GE man, is an appliance service- March, 1964, but he's been with the man working out of the Major Appli- General Electric appliance service or- ance Division's service operations in ganization since 1947. He started as a Philadelphia. truck washer, washing the service His job is to service General Electric trucks. Over the years he took courses refrigerators, electric ranges, washers, in auto mechanics, electricity, and ap- dryers, room air conditioners, freezers, pliance servicing, and gradually pro- garbage disposers, and dishwashers at gressed up through the ranks to a grade. the homes of thousands of General mechanic's position, and then to appli- The extracurricular study and learn- Electric customers in area. the The job ance servicing. It wasn't easy. When he ing was necessary, for Tom Carter requires a high degree of tact and first applied for an appliance service- dropped out of high school. Now mar- diplomacy-as well as the know-how to man's position he was turned down. His ried and the father of two children, do the job right. Mr. Carter's formula experience and training simply weren't Mr. Carter is convinced by experience is simple: "kindness and consideration up to the standards required. But Mr. that a education is essen- for getting good all people." And that goes even Carter was determined. He kept study- tial. That is his advice to every Negro when Mr. Carter answers a rush-rush ing and learning, and finally made the youngster.. a Calvin H. Conliffe

He aims straight up on present job and in career goals

Business and civic contributions of sig- team are developing a jet engine which nificance are combined in the career of will lift the plane straight up from the Calvin H. Conliffe, project engineer for ground. the Direct Lift Program at General In the community, Mr. Conliffe is a Electric's Evendale Plant near Cincin- member of the seven-man Board of nati, Ohio. Education for the Cincinnati City In his work at Evendale, Mr. Con- School District, the first Negro to serve liffe is responsible for the pioneering on this Board; a director on the local work on a multi-million dollar program boards of the National Conference of which will eventually lead to a new Christians and Jews, the American Red kind of jet plane. Mr. Conliffe and his Cross, and the Avondale Community

5 Council; and a member of the Citizens education is becoming more im- stimulated his love of aircraft. Committee on Youth. portant all the time. He enrolled for an engineering Mr. Conliffe's great interest in edu- In his own case, Mr. Conliffe decided course at Howard University following cation and in working with young peo- early in life that a good education is the war. ple stems from several factors: worth much effort and many sacrifices. When he was graduated from How- * He has learned from his own ca- He set his sights on an engineering ca- ard-Magna Cum Laude-in 1951, Mr. reer that education is the key to reer while he was still in high school Conliffe had job offers in hand from success; even though, at that time, the doors to General Electric and Westinghouse. * As the father of two children-a the profession were largely closed, to "I chose General Electric," he says, fourteen-year-old son and an Negro aspirants. "largely because of the calibre of the eleven-year-old daughter-he is in- World War II interrupted his educa- men who interviewed me at Howard terested in providing developmen- tional plans, but his service experience and the progressive attitude of General tal opportunities for young people; -during which he had the opportunity Electric as reflected in them. Time has * The rapid rate of technological to take pilot training-only heightened vindicated my choice of a company, advances makes it clear that good his interest in a technical career and as it did my choice of a career field." a a

Richard L. Dalton

Specialist represents Company in Ohio state employment and apprentice training activities

Observing the progress of people in '-, ', General Electric is a full-time occupa- 14, 'N tion for Richard L. Dalton, employ- -1 ment compensation and statistics spe- 4 cialist at the big General Electric jet engine plant at Evendale, Ohio. Mr. Dalton is responsible for maintaining As a result of his thorough knowl- medical research with the May Institute the facts and figures on some 10,000 edge of employment practices, job re- in Cincinnati. people at Evendale. He also represents quirements, training courses, and in- From his years spent in observing the Company at hearings of the Ohio dustrial trends in job classifications, the progress of people and in compil- Bureau of Unemployment Compensa- Mr. Dalton has been appointed by the ing statistics on industrial needs, Mr. tion. He assures that the Company Governor of Ohio as a member of the Dalton is qualified to advise not only position is fully and correctly pre- Advisory Board of Apprenticeship and on training requirements for industry, sented and that separated employees Training for the Ohio State Civil Rights but on career planning as well. His ad- are fairly and properly treated under Commission. vice to young people planning a career Ohio law. Because of his understanding of the is: Mr. Dalton joined General Electric need for adequate preparation for a "Take advantage of the advice and in December, 1950, as a laborer. He successful career in the modern world, professional counselling now available advanced to supervisor and, after two Mr. Dalton has encouraged each of his through your secondary school sys- years of supervising service people, seven children to plan carefully for the tems. Decide upon your chosen field moved into employee relations work in future. of interest and get a good foundation 1953. He served in placement, budget- in high school for the technical or col- ary, and supervisory capacities before He has been rewarded in seeing his lege training so necessary to your moving to his present job in 1959. two oldest children earn college de- career preparation. It was largely through his own efforts grees and begin careers in chemical re- "Get all you can for your educa- that Mr. Dalton moved ahead so fast. search and in teaching. The next two tional dollar and give always a little He spent four years attending Univer- oldest are in college working toward more to your employer than is ex- sity of Cincinnati Evening College degrees in sociology and in medicine. pected. Be loyal, and demonstrate all classes to earn a certificate in account- The three youngest have their hearts the other high moral standards of your ing, and has availed himself of General set on college. religious background. Electric training courses in public Their inspiration, Mr. Dalton ad- "A healthy attitude toward every job speaking, human relations, fundamen- mits, comes not only from his own assigned you, no matter how menial, tals of supervision, political activities, example but also from his wife, will not long go unnoticed. Each such and business economics-a course he Dorothy, formerly a teacher, now a job effort could be your key to greater also instructed. graduate practical nurse engaged in opportunity." a . 6 Georgia G. Davis Marketing typing bureau. She trans- cribed copy from dictating machine tapes supplied to her by over 20 sales _~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~. engineers in the Marketing offices. When an opportunity came along for a higher-rated job in one of the Mar- keting offices about a year later, Mrs. How to advance from waitress Davis was among the candidates se- to secretary in marketing lected for an interview. The new jab called for experience in shorthand, a skill that could easily have grown rusty in the year she spent transcribing copy from tape. But Mrs. Davis, for two night each week, had taught typing and shorthand at a Roanoke business college-an assignment guaranteed to keep When Mrs. Georgia Davis graduated her skill honed to a fine edge. I from Carver High School in Salem, Mrs. Davis got the job and has re- Va., in 1950, she faced an uncertain ceived several increases and a promo- future. The Korean War had just begun tion to date. She continues to prepare and no one, least of all the youngsters herself for future opportunities and in the graduating class, knew how it ment opportunities. She entered Vir- possible advancement. She has com- might affect them. She took the first ginia State College at Petersburg for a pleted a business machine card punch job she could find-as a waitress. When two-year course in secretarial studies. course and plans to take other courses the opportunity came to become a den- After graduation, she applied at Gen- later. tal assistant with a local dentist, she eral Electric's Industry Control Depart- She says, "I like secretarial work and was glad to take it. ment on the outskirts of Salem. I want to stay in that field. But times But Mrs. Davis wasn't satisfied with She was given the usual battery of are changing and the person who wants her personal development. Ten years tests and demonstrated outstanding to get ahead has to keep on with his after finishing high school, it was clear ability, scoring well above the average. education. You have to get as much to her that she needed further educa- She was offered the only opening avail- education as you can as quickly as you tion if she was to improve her employ- able at the time, that of a typist in the can." * a I Thomas R. Dudley He shifts educational sights as result of General Electric work

Long before he graduated from Roa- noke's Lucy Addison High School, Thomas R. Dudley had developed a keen interest in engineering, particularly chemical engineering. So much so that he won an honorable mention for an exhibit he prepared for his school's annual Science Fair. Mr. Dudley was accepted by Colum- bia University in New York City. He studied there for about two and a half years until an illness in the family and the consequent drain on finances forced him to leave the university. the chance to progress to higher grade get a master's degree." How? Well, he In the fall of 1963, he came home to work. plans to apply for a General Electric Virginia, looking for work that would Chemical engineering continues to Tuition Refund that will help him fi- enable him to save enough money to go attract young Mr. Dudley, but not quite nance an education that will be bene- back to school. One of the first places as much .as it did before he came to ficial in his work at General Electric. he applied was the General Electric General Electric. He says, "You can't Tom Dudley thinks that many young Industry Control plant in nearby be a technician in a place like this and people entering college have only the Salem, which makes automation con- stay lukewarm about electrical engi- vaguest concepts of what they want to trol equipment for industry. His college neering. I've had the opportunity to do in life and that their knowledge of training helped him land a job as a work on some very important jobs and the challenges they will have to meet technician in heavy mill engineering, I'm finding I like the work more and and surmount is almost nil. He sees a the subsection making complex systems more." Will he eventually forsake real advantage in working for firms like controls for steel mills. Mr. Dudley chemical for electrical engineering? "I General Electric because the student is earned an increase within three months think so," he says, "but I'm certainly confronted, perhaps for the first time, after joining Industry Control and has going to continue my education and with realities of competitive life. . . 7 Eugenia T. Edmerson Technician gets satisfaction in playing role in advancing science

"As a technologist, I find it full and satisfying to play a part in the tremendous strides being made today in science and technology." So says Eugenia T. (Genie) Edmerson, a biological technician at the Hanford Biological Laboratory at the Company's atomic operations in Richland, Wash. Her background for this career began after graduating from high school in Topeka, Kansas. She took two years of nurse's training while working as a nurse's aide in Memphis, Tenn. Later, while her husband was teaching at Waco, Texas, she attended Paul Quinn College for one year. "Both in school and since I have heat, but the materials and techniques When Mr. Edmerson accepted a been working, I have tried hard to she uses vary greatly depending on the position with General Electric at the make the most of my opportunities," isotope involved, the kind of sample, southeastern Washington Hanford according to Genie Edmerson. "There and the object of the research. Skilled Atomic Plant in 1951, she joined him is no doubt that the extra effort has use of laboratory techniques and very and also sought employment there. been worthwhile. My progress with precise measurements are required. Mrs. Edmerson's education and General Electric has resulted in more Mr. and Mrs. Edmerson make their work experience qualified her for a job income, but, in addition, new responsi- home in Sunnyside, Washington, on a as a laboratory assistant in the Hanford bilities added zest to the job and pro- hill overlooking the orchards in the Biology Laboratory. In her first job vided a chance to continue to increase Yakima River Valley. They are active with General Electric she performed my knowledge and ability." members of the Sunnyside Presbyterian laboratory analysis of blood samples At present Genie Edmerson proc- Church, serving as advisors to the se- from various research projects. In the esses biological samples for subsequent nior high school youth group, and as past 13 years, Genie has earned four measurement of their radioisotope con- teachers in the Sunday School. She de- promotions to her present position as tent. The samples include whole fish, votes one night a week to the city biological technician. Her salary has animal tissue or bone, vegetation, milk, library program and her husband acts more than doubled while she has been blood or plasma. Usually she reduces as a counselor in the Sunnyside High working for General Electric. the samples to a solution with acid and School career planning program. a u .

Dorothy Emery As the oldest of eight children, Dorothy Emery emphasizes that fact to her six sisters and brother. While working at the World's Fair, she lives at the She's using World's Fair job to YWCA in Manhattan. "Living in New help finance more education York is an education in itself," she says. "I spend much of my free time visiting museums and going to the One evening when Dorothy Emery theater." She hopes to work at the Fair came home from work as a cashier at during the 1965 season, too. But this Montgomery Ward's in Danville, Ill., winter she plans to take some more her father had something to show her. courses at the business school in Dan- William Emery, an 1 -year em- ville. ployee and stockkeeper at the Com- As a hostess, she must have skill in pany's Ballast Department in Danville, meeting people-the thousands who go had a copy of the employee newspaper, through the Company's exhibit every Today. In it was a story about how the day. "I love to meet them. As long as Company would give preferential con- I'm doing it, I'm happy," she says. sideration to relatives of employees in Miss Emery also reports on being a hiring the staff for Progressland, the Negro at the Fair: "I'm being treated General Electric exhibit at the New wonderfully. There hasn't been any York World's Fair. She's a graduate of the Danville High trouble with prejudice. And the people Miss Emery applied and was ac- School, of a business college, and of a I'm working with are just wonderful. cepted, as a hostess. Her duties vary- business-machine training school in St. We Negroes can do the job now be- from controlling the progression of the Louis. cause we're getting the education. Just scenes in the Carousel auditorium to "It's hard enough to get a job even give us a chance, and we'll prove our- acting as a Dome guide. She thinks with an education," she says. "But selves. I think we're at last getting that her education helped her land the job. there's no hope without it." chance." * * a 8 Otis George did when he first joined GE. He is the first one to admit his mis- take in dropping out of school before Florida dropout regains lost completing his final year at Gibbs High. ground, wins responsible position "Quitting school was a poor decision," he admits, "but I plan to begin working this fall toward finishing high Seeing Otis George walk through the school. Then I hope to enroll in St. employment office door at General Petersburg Junior College's two-year Electric's Pinellas Peninsula Plant of course because I realize I'll need more the X-Ray Department, the inter- education before I can make any real viewer's first inclination was to refer progress." He says, "Without educa- the 6'3", 218 pound man to the de- tion, you're lost! It's like being out on fensive line coach of a professional a desert without water." This has devel- football team. oped into a philosophy which he and Mr. George had followed the advice his wife, Mollie, have for the future of of another Negro employee of GE and their four children. the director of his local YMCA to ap- "We realize," Mr. George says, "how ply for a job at GE. Otis George was important an education is for anyone a school dropout; he had experience From an environment where a young -Negro or white-and we plan to do only as a laborer and a U.S. Marine Negro had to fight to keep off the un- everything in our power to provide the MP. Yet, the plant in St. Petersburg, employment rolls, he has directed his opportunity for our children to have Fla., was to be technically oriented. energy toward gaining solid work ex- college educations so that they will be Nevertheless, Otis George was hired, perience and a better future. good citizens and contribute to our in March, 1958, and was impressed During his six GE years, Mr. George society." by the opportunity. His first job for GE has earned four promotions. He is now He is so convinced of the need for a was that of a laborer. Since that March, the functional work leader of the solid education that he is now urging 1958, start, he has made several strides plant's receiving area. Five employees his wife to complete the 2½/2 year start forward with the Company and he is receive work directions from him and she has on an education degree at pleased with the progress he has made. he earns $40 per week more than he Florida A&M, a* * Edith Grundy

Her husband persuaded her to come to General Electric

Many businessmen will tell you that a good secretary is the mortar that holds an office together. Mrs. Edith Grundy is such a secretary. In the year she has been with General Electric, she has come to play an important role in the Relations and Utilities Purchasing Operation at the Company's major appliance manufacturing complex in she worked for a time assisting in the The nature of her work is such that Louisville, Ky. night school program of her high Mrs. Grundy is called upon to meet All this did not come about auto- school. After her college career, she many non-General Electric vendors matically. She developed a solid back- applied and was accepted in a job as seeking to do business with the Com- ground of secretarial theory and expe- secretary in a local insurance company pany. She enjoys this. "I like people rience through a combination of -this was the job she was on prior to and this job keeps me in constant con- schooling and extensive work experi- coming with General Electric. Before tact with people, both on the phone and ence. that, Mrs. Grundy was employed as a in person," she says. Educationally, Mrs. Grundy at- clerk by the City of Louisville. On the job, she keeps busy working tended Central High School in Louis- She applied for a job at Appliance with all types of office equipment. She ville, making better than average Park because her husband, Norman, types well, operates adding equipment, marks. Following high school, she went has been employed in the Park's cen- and takes dictation. on to complete two years' work at Indi- tral warehouse for almost ten years. Hired as a stenographer, Edith ana University. Her goal at that time "My husband encouraged me to ap- Grundy's background made her a was toward a teaching degree in ele- ply," she recalls, "because he likes his natural for a secretary's position when mentary education. job and felt that I could do better at the job opened up in the same office not Between high school and college, General Electric." long after she came with GE. * * . 9 Clothilde Henry must get the education needed to take m II on new responsibilities. This is the only way we're going to be able to achieve our goals." At the General Electric Servicenter, Education key to Negro aims, Miss Henry and her colleagues are pro- says customer service employee viding fast, reliable service on General Electric's small electric appliances (coffeemakers, toasters, fans, etc.). Many of the 21/2 million people who Not long after 19-year-old Clothilde pass through Grand Central each week Henry started to work at General Elec- drop off an appliance for repair on their tric's new Housewares Servicenter in way to work and pick it up on the way New York's Grand Central Station, a home. With its modern lighting, im- visitor from France came in with a pressive displays, and pastel decor, the problem. Actually, he had two prob- Servicenter looks like a handsome Fifth lems. First, he wanted to know where Avenue shop. However Miss Henry he could buy a GE automatic blanket. and her associates sell no products Second, he spoke no English. Miss She joined General Electric after (except parts); their main job is to deal Henry put her four years of French completing her freshman year at Al- with customer problems. study to work. Within a few minutes a bany State Teacher's College, where "The people here handle the custom- pleased customer was on his way to she studied languages. She's a graduate ers with velvet gloves," says Miss make his purchase. of New York's Cathedral High School Henry. "We truly treat customers like The incident gave Miss Henry the for Girls, just two doors away from customers. This has really impressed chance to combine her ultimate job General Electric's headquarters build- me." goal with her present job responsibili- ing. In her off-hours Miss Henry writes ties. Right now, as a General Electric She's determined to complete her short stories and poetry (for her own customer service representative, she's college work, probably through night pleasure rather than for publication) in the business of pleasing GE custom- courses, and then enter the translating and is a heavy reader. Her present fa- ers. Ultimately, after she completes field. She's convinced that more educa- vorites are John Steinbeck and the three more college years of language tion is the best route to success for French philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre study, Miss Henry hopes to become a young Negroes like herself. Says Miss ("In the original if I'm feeling alert and translator. Henry: "Now more than ever, Negroes in English if I'm feeling lazy."). . .

John D. Howard

He acquires education to 'have something to sell worth buying'

John Howard, already a veteran of six years' service with General Electric Company, received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Union College in Schenectady in June, 1964. He now has a job designing high- power vacuum tubes at General Elec- tric's Schenectady manufacturing complex. Back in 1955 when he was graduated from high school in Toronto, Ohio equivalent of two full years of college- the books and get grades that are good (with top grades in college preparatory and he had set a little money aside. enough to allow them to get accepted courses), John couldn't afford college. In 1962 he decided to go for broke. at some college. This is the biggest fac- Instead, he came to Schenectady and With General Electric's encouragement, tor. There is no problem in financing signed up for General Electric's ap- Mr. Howard took a two-year educa- for anyone who has the intiative to look prentice training program. Along with tional leave of absence, during which into the opportunities that are avail- his courses at GE, which included he attended college full time and able. drafting, machine shop operations and worked part time in the Company's "Companies like GE are looking for work as a laboratory technician, he Advanced Technology Laboratories. qualified prospects," John Howard studied nights at Union College, and "The most important thing," he said, says. "You have to have something to after a four year period he had the "is for high school students to keep at sell that's worth buying." a , a 10 Samuel H. Howard

He joins 3-year training course many GE executives have taken

The recruiters for General Electric's 45-year-old Business Training Course, one of industry's most widely respected training programs, visit more than 100 college campuses every year. They look for top men. Dozens upon dozens of prospective recruits are interviewed. Their scholastic records are scanned carefully. Scarcely five per cent meas- ure up to the stiff academic and leadership requirements. In his words, "I preferred to begin structor, specializing in economic sta- One of those who measured up in my career with the broad financial tistics-the first Negro at Oklahoma 1962 was Samuel H. Howard, who had training that the GE Business Training State to serve in this Later at his bachelor's capacity. degree and was doing Course offered." OSU he served as a graduate research graduate work in economics at Okla- The Business Training Course of assistant in economics homa State University. three years' duration offers plenty of his first in General Elec- General During year Electric made him an offer. opportunity to an exceptional young tric, he served as financial analyst in the Mr. Howard turned the offer down. man. General Electric's Chairman of Nuclear Electronic Products Section of He turned down offers from other the Board, Gerald L. Phillippe, is a the Atomic Power Equipment Depart- companies, too, because he decided to graduate. So are many other General ment at San California. accept a Jose, Since then, fellowship for further graduate Electric officers. he has moved into a new in work in economics at Stanford assignment Univer- Sam Howard has always aimed for business information systems, a unit of sity. There he gained his master's de- the top. In high school in Lawton, Okla., the computation and data processing gree in economics, and got a start he was class valedictorian. At Okla- portion of San Jose's finance section. toward his doctorate. homa State he was on the Dean's Honor Members of the Business In 1963, Mr. Training Howard decided to go Roll seven times; president of his social Course carry out a variety of on-the- into industry. He discussed openings fraternity; recording secretary of Blue job financial assignments together with with several companies, including GE Key, the national honor fraternity; and a schedule of classroom work. Those again, in its BTC program. He chose active in three other professional and who have watched Samuel Howard's General Electric, and made his start honor societies. progress in the classroom and on the at the Company's Atomic Power Equip- Beyond this, he served for three job at San Jose are convinced that he ment Plant in San Jose, California. semesters as a student laboratory in- has the capacity to "make it big." , . Raymond Jackson

Community service group spurs floorsweeper's job progress

Raymond Jackson has a large family and a large ambition. At 34 years of age, Mr. Jackson is learning to run a turret lathe in General Electric Company's Switchgear machine shop in Philadelphia. He hopes to earn himself a secure job so that his six children won't have to be school dropouts as he was. He completed 10th grade at Benja- min Franklin High School and went 11 into the Army at age 18. "I was a drop- choose the curriculum-machine train- pay, and good benefits. I like machine out," he explains, "because our family, ing-that best suited his talents, and he shop work in general, working with which included 10 children, didn't have enrolled for an 18-month course. Now machinery, and I hope to work up to a lot, and I felt I wanted to help them the Center is training him in the opera- larger lathes. I've always liked building out, and earn a little something extra tion of a turret lathe, drill press, radial things. Being in the Army attracted me so that I could have something." drill, milling machine, and engine lathe. to blueprints and such, but I felt I Following a tour of duty with the Meanwhile, back at General Electric, couldn't get very far in the long run, U.S. Army's 73rd Combat Engineers in Mr. Jackson's aptitude and initiative in unless I was willing to learn more on Korea, Mr. Jackson worked as an un- starting his own off-the-job training my own." skilled laborer with two Philadelphia program made him a good prospect for What does he like best about Gen- companies, and had worked as a janitor on-the-job training. eral Electric? and sweeper at General Electric since Thus, Raymond Jackson's hopes for "I think what attracts me the most is mid-1963. progress are beginning to come true. the opportunity that exists here for "But for five years," he recalls, "I "When I joined GE," he adds, "it was those who want to get ahead. I know had been thinking about furthering my a better paying job than the one I had, that I will continue to advance pro- education. I could see I wasn't getting so I have gained considerably with the vided I work hard, keep up my study anywhere." Company all the way. and continue to do my best on the job." Early in 1964, he enrolled with Op- "I wanted very much to work for Speaking of his six youngsters, aged portunities Industrialization Center in GE," he says. "A company of this size 2 to 10, Mr. Jackson says quietly and Philadelphia. The Rev. Leon Sullivan, and reputation, I felt, would be able to seriously: "I'd like to see all of them chairman of the Center, helped him offer opportunities to advance, good get all the education they can." a ." Zachariah Jennings Howard University graduate serves Company and community

When Zachariah Jennings got out of high school in Norfolk, Va., in 1942, there was "just nothing" ahead for him, he felt, unless he could get some kind of further education. Mr. Jennings' father, a railroad worker, had all he could do in those days to support five growing children. Zach Jennings realized that college for him would have to be a do-it-yourself program. Today, nearly 25 years and two degrees later, he is more than ever convinced that the road to a better life is through education. Seated behind his desk at General Electric's plant in Lynn, Massachusetts, program. After training assignments in "Education is a way of life with me," where he works as a design engineer, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Philadelphia, and says he. "It has opened doors and pro- Mr. Jennings will tell you that you must Schenectady, he was recalled by the vided opportunities for me and for my feel as though the "sky is the limit." Army, this time as a lieutenant in the family. I am just about convinced that "Of course each of us has a limit, but Signal Corps, to serve in Korea. In education is the answer, not only to the you never can be sure just what it is, so 1953, he again returned to civilian life problems of the Negro, but to those of the only thing to do is to keep pushing to pick up the threads of his career. the nation and the world." as hard as you can," he says. In 1954 he was assigned to the Com- On his off hours, Mr. Jennings occa- His career illustrates what he means. pany's Lynn plant where he has held sionally plays tennis, enjoys fishing, and By working at a variety of jobs during successively more responsible jobs in holds a ham radio operator's license. his high school years, he scraped to- the design and development of control He is also co-chairman of the North gether enough money to enter Howard systems for aircraft. Shore Committee for Equal Opportu- University in 1942. The following year "I find this kind of work stimulating nity. In this latter role, he gets around he was drafted. When he was dis- and rewarding," he says. quite a bit; does some talking to differ- charged after three years with the rank What about his outside life? Zach ent community groups. of first sergeant, he returned to How- Jennings lives with his wife and three "We try to do two things," he says. ard, studying electrical engineering. He children in Peabody, a town adjoining "We try to find opportunities for quali- was graduated with honors in 1949, Lynn. During the late 1950s he spent fied Negroes in business and industry, and, among other achievements, he was several nights each week attending and we act as a focal point to help listed in that year's edition of "Who's graduate school at Northeastern Uni- those who feel they are being treated Who in American Colleges." versity. In June, 1960, he was awarded unfairly, especially in the matter of Upon graduation, he joined General a master's degree in electrical engineer- housing. I think we are making some Electric on the Company's engineering ing. progress." ,,,

12 Eldred Johnson

Ambition and achievement needed, says apprentice program alumnus

"The Negro must realize that in order to be hired in industry, his credentials must not be average, but outstanding. Granted, many employers make it known that they are willing to hire Negroes. Yet, they are not going to hire you just because you are a Negro. Your scholastic average should be above average, your record clean, and you should convince any interviewer that you have a strong desire to advance in industry. Convince him that he needs your know- how. Inform him about your achievements. Above all, emphasize that you are ambitious." These are the views of Eldred John- graduated from high school. He also great extent how many of your goals son, who came to General Electric's won a liberal arts degree from Utica you will realize," he says. "The fact Light Military Electronics Department College, in 1963. In addition, while he that you take direction without rebuff, five years ago when competitive exam- was a General Electric apprentice, he and are an easy person to associate with inations won him a spot in the Utica attended Mohawk Valley Community governs your advancement. When you department's apprentice training pro- College. do a tremendous job, but aren't re- gram. He was graduated from the pro- Mr. Johnson is still pursuing educa- warded, don't become discouraged. gram in 1963 and is currently a draft- tion, for he aspires to a law degree Instead, continue to perform outstanding detailer in the engineering section. some day and intends to go to law ingly, and I guarantee that you will He was born in 1939 at Diffie, Ga., school on his own time. impress someone. Remember, no one and later moved to Utica where he was "Your personality determines to a gives something for nothing." . . . Ron Kelly A young athlete's difficult choice: baseball or business?

Electronic computers, the aerospace industry, automation -these are new fields with exciting prospects for the future. That makes Ron Kelly a man of the future, as a computer programmer and business systems analyst with the General Electric Missile and Space Division. To the Ron Kelly of 13 years ago, this kind of career was hardly imagin- able. For when he graduated from Cheltenham High School in suburban Philadelphia in 1951, he had a shot at an American dream - becoming a professional baseball player, perhaps a major leaguer. In his senior year, he captained his high school teams in three sports. He was a good student, and there were several offers of college athletic scholarships. But at 18 it can be difficult to make up your mind. Would his speed, strong arm and quick bat take him to the fame and fortune of another Willie 13 Mays ... or was the more likely pros- Running card-sorting and keypunch In 1960 Ron Kelly was promoted to pect for five or six years in minor machines was all right, but the future professional (exempt) status. Today he league ballyards and a one-way ticket seemed unpromising. He had married makes almost three times the pay he to obscurity? the year he entered the Army and his received when he joined GE. He has After working a year as an office boy first child was born 18 months later. continued to grow in his job as more and stock boy in a department store, he A newspaper help-wanted ad led him sophisticated computer systems are in- decided to play a season of professional to the new General Electric department stalled at the Valley Forge Space Tech- baseball in Canada. The college schol- in Philadelphia that was working on nology Center, where he works. He arship offers had faded, and baseball missiles and space vehicles. The Com- knows that, at 31, he has a substantial seemed to be his best opportunity. It pany hired him to run data equipment foothold in a field that has an excellent may have been, but a broken leg in and almost immediately sent him growth outlook. mid-season cut short that career. through training courses in a variety of He regrets not having taken one of Back home Mr. Kelly worked as a skills related to operating data equip- the college scholarships offered to him shipping clerk, then took a civil service ment. when he graduated from high school. examination and was hired as a file His training with GE led to a promo- But he figures that the broken leg he clerk at the local Veterans Administra- tion to leader of the group that proc- suffered during his try in pro baseball tion office. After a two-year hitch in essed the department's payroll. Late in may have been Lady Luck in disguise. the Army that took him to Germany, 1959 he was selected for GE-sponsored When offered a contract with a New he returned to the VA job and was training in electronic computers. It was York Giants farm team during his first tapped to learn to run mechanical data the beginning of his present career in year with General Electric, he turned processing machines. computer programming and business it down. Mr. Kelly saw a future in He was restless in his government job. systems analysis. industry as a better choice. *. Gilbert B. Langford

A manager's advice to youth: know your abilities, set your goals-work to achieve them

Some military experts say that the United States' best defense against enemy attack is the Polaris missile system. Capable of being fired from submerged submarines anywhere in the world's oceans, Polaris is a potent deterrent to any would-be aggressor. Gilbert B. Langford is one of many Americans contributing to the development and maintenance of this exacting and complicated system. A 38-year-old tion. Both his father, now deceased, doing ordnance work for Naval aircraft professional engineer, he is Manager of and his mother, a retired elementary He also continued his edu- Components Engineering for the Gen- applications. school principal, encouraged Gil to cation in a Purdue-run postgraduate eral Electric Ordnance Department in identify his interests early and Pittsfield, Mass. pursue program. them. Mr. Langford first came to General The group that he directs plays a "I fixed my sights on engineering Electric's attention when he vital role in the Ordnance Department, presented when I entered high school," he says. a paper. at Ohio State University in which produces fire control and inertial "With my parents' backing and encour- 1953. A GE engineer who heard the guidance equipment for the Polaris agement, I worked hard in high school presentation recommended that the system. In his present position, he has and planned for college." Company contact him. Based on his managed from 21 to 42 employees - World War II temporarily inter- educational his including as many as 16 professional achievements, perform- rupted those plans. Gil Langford en- ance on his previous job and interviews, engineers-who specify, select and eval- tered the Army in 1943 following his Gil was uate Langford offered and accepted parts and materials for all the graduation from high school. The fol- a Department's programs. He has position as an advance-design engi- been lowing year he transferred to the U.S. neer at GE's laboratory in Ithaca, N.Y. responsible for annual budgets ranging Air Force. By the time the war ended, Three he from $350,000 to $500,000. years later, moved to Gen- he was a first lieutenant. eral Electric's Philadelphia plant as an Mr. Langford started preparing him- After the war, he entered Purdue inertial This self for a career in equipment engineer. expe- management a long University to study engineering. He re- rience him to a time ago. As a teenager helped prepare join back in Indian- ceived his degree in 1951 and accepted "blue ribbon" team that was formed to apolis, he grew up in a home environ- a position as a design engineer with the work on a part of the then new Polaris ment strongly oriented toward educa- Naval Avionics facility in Indianapolis, system. 14 In 1957, he transferred to Pittsfield York State on the other side of a moun- prepared as they can be for what they to tackle the challenges of the Polaris tain. hope to do," he says. project as a design evaluation engineer. For two-and-a-half years, he boarded "That includes being sure of their His work was so outstanding that he a bus two nights a week after work and interests and understanding their apti- was given the responsibility for the made the trip to RPI. It wasn't easy for tudes," he adds. "I wholeheartedly rec- planning and technical leadership of a a married man with three children. ommend that aptitude and interest tests group of 19 engineers and technicians. In 1961, he received his master's be taken during high school to assure Mr. Langford had a great interest in degree from RPI in industrial manage- the teenager that he or she is on the moving from detail technical work into ment. And, he was also promoted by right track. Then it's up to the individ- the management end of the business- General Electric to his present mana- ual to take matters in his own hands and he still wanted more education. gerial position. and prepare himself thoroughly. However, the location of Pittsfield cre- What advice does Gil Langford have "An interest in your field of work, ated a problem. The nearest full-time for young people who are ambitious self-acquired qualifications and a desire university was Rensselaer Polytechnic and interested in rewarding careers in to make a contribution - those are the Institute (RPI), 36 miles away in New business? "I advise them to be as well tickets to success today.". . .

Richard E. Lindsay School, he eventually became a non- commissioned officer in charge of a group of men assigned to the engineer- (S ing maintenance section at Fort Barry, His situation looked hopeless; Calif. today he's making progress Upon his Army discharge in 1958, Mr. Lindsay was still unable to find industrial work, so he returned to ga- and Until early in 1964, Richard E. Lindsay rage parking lot chores. had But the young draftsman feels that almost abandoned hope of finding "the a draftsman's job for which he was years of waiting and a lot of de- trained. He was nearly resigned to be- spair are all behind me now. Many who are in same ing an attendant in a Cleveland parking the situation I was in until lot. this year are seeking similar opportuni- Dick Lindsay had been a ties. I Now, Mr. Lindsay has a seeking only hope that they will have the different draftsman's job for several years. While good fortune I have had." outlook. He has been a draftsman in attending John Adams High School in the engineering section of General Catesby C. Jones, Mr. Lindsay's Cleveland, he decided to take a draft- manager, has this to say about him: Electric's Miniature Lamp Department ing course as part of his college "Richard at Nela Park since January, 1964. prepar- Lindsay has the exact bal- atory studies. After graduating in 1952, ance of His fortunes changed when the Skills educational training and native he moved to Los Angeles and enrolled that we a Bank, a pilot project co-sponsored by aptitudes need in draftsman. in the Cal-Aero Technical Institute for I that he is a the Cleveland Urban League and the suspect bringing little more a course in aircraft engineering design. than the average enthusiasm to his Ohio State Employment Service, di- He returned to Cleveland in 1954, work because of his appreciation of a rected him to General Electric. The Kent State bank, entering University in real job opportunity after so many set up by a grant from a local nearby Kent, Ohio. After three quarters of foundation, was formed to place under- years frustration. He has fitted in there, he dropped out. The only job he well witjh our organization and is mak- employed and unemployed Negroes in could find was as a garage attendant at fine jobs matching their education and capa- ing progress on the job." headquarters of the Cleveland Red Mr. Lindsay, now 30, hopes to take bilities. Approximately 150 persons Cross. While working nights there, he have been placed in Cleveland advantage of training and educational industry studied at the Cleveland Engineering opportunities available in the Company so far. The project serves as a guide for Institute days. and Urban Leagues in 65 community. other cities which Within two years he was called for He is the father of three children. have or soon will have their own Skills service. After a Banks. Army course in the His family lives in a recently acquired Army's Guided Missile Repairmen's new home. . . . Clarence Malone Prepare for new demands of scientific change, urges design engineer "Our scientific civilization is the first Radio Guidance Operation, Utica, N.Y which has not been built on human He has a 1957 engineering degree from slavery-the first which offers the hope Howard He came to Gen- of University. relieving mankind forever from the eral Electric in August, 1957, after a worst of the physical labor with which brief period as a systems analysis engi- all other civilizations have previously neer with North American Aviation in enchained us. Therefore, you must be Downey, Calif. prepared to meet the demands of a He has this to say to people consid- highly technological society and a con- ering an industrial career, basing his stantly advancing industry." comments on his experience in business, That's the belief of Clarence Malone, community service and politics (he an electrical design engineer in the was an unsuccessful candidate for New 15 York State Senator from Oneida not continue their education because team. Presently, he's a scoutmaster, County in 1962): they feel that they will be unable to member of the Kiwanis Club and on "The time to start taking advantage obtain jobs commensurate with their the board of directors of numerous civic of your opportunities is now. More and abilities. However, barriers are being organizations. His wife is a teacher in more definite educational requirements erased in practically every facet of life the Utica Public School System. are stated for entrance into almost all all over America. Adequate prepara- "The most hopeful factor in the phases of endeavor. Industry needs tion is the password to success and ad- existing racial situation," he says, "is trained people. Many scholarships are vancement." that there is an increasing realization available for people who possess un- Mr. Malone was born in Southamp- that in the complex problems of the usual ability. You must cultivate your ton, N. Y., in 1934. He was the first present world, our nation has need of talents to the best of your ability. Many Negro ever elected captain of the all her resources, human as well as Negroes become discouraged and do Southampton High School football material." ,,,

Theodore Nims, Jr. hopes to prove himself as a district representative in the field and then return to headquarters in Bridgeport as a Pass up 'sheltered' job fields, sales specialist. I Although he has been on the job only says rookie appliance salesman a short time, he believes he recognizes the key to success in a company like General Electric: "Be willing to work Theodore Nims, Jr. is learning how to hard, put into practice some of what sell General Electric appliances as a you learned in school, and don't expect sales trainee in the Housewares Divi- advancement overnight." sion. Ted also has some advice for young Although he is just 22 years old and Negroes: "Most Negroes have an in- fresh out of Florida A&M with a B.S. feriority complex which leads them to in business administration, Ted Nims is seek sheltered positions. In my class, neither brand new to General Electric for instance, 80 per cent are expected nor unfamiliar with the problems of the to teach. There is a heavy demand for housewares industry. His interest in the teachers in segregated schools, which industry springs from part-time em- Mr. Nims' letter triggered a series of are on their way out, therefore creating ployment with a large supermarket interviews and resulted in an offer - a need for Negroes to branch out and chain while attending high school in "more than I had expected" - to join a look for more than certification for Bridgeport, Conn. During two years training program expressly designed for teaching. They should take more with the chain he advanced from stock- outstanding young college graduates courses like marketing, management, boy to assistant to the housewares who want to represent GE's House- and economics, regardless of their ma- manager. wares Division to appliance retailers jors, so that they will have the neces- His first contact with General Elec- and distributors across the country. sary broad background to capitalize on tric came a year ago when he spent the After his first few weeks with the future opportunities." summer making fans in the Bridgeport division familiarizing himself with He adds: "Today the Negro is on factory of the Home Care & Comfort products, personnel, and procedures, he the ground floor, the way having been Products Department. He "liked the left Bridgeport for Boston where he paved for him by the struggles of his friendly spirit in the factory" and de- is receiving actual in-the-field experi- forefathers. There are more job oppor- cided to seek a position in sales or ence working with the regional sales tunities for Negroes today than ever advertising upon graduation the follow- manager located there. before but most Negro college students ing spring. Looking to the future, Ted Nims don't recognize it." ,a a James Nixon Carnegie Tech graduate works to inspire youth of Schenectady fames Nixon is a mechanical design member of the American Nuclear -ngineer at the Knolls Atomic Power Society, and American Society of Laboratory at Schenectady, operated Mechanical Engineers (among many )y General Electric for the Atomic others) Mr. Nixon has taken graduate Energy Commission. courses at the University of Cincinnati He was graduated from Carnegie and Union College. Right now he's Institute of Technology in 1956 and working in spare time toward a master's oined the Company's Technical Ca- degree in business administration. *eer Development Program that year. He says: "Judging from my experi- kfter completing that course, he be- ence with the General Electric Com- ame a turbomachinery design engineer pany so far, I feel that any limitations n GE's Flight Propulsion Division; on my future progress will be based hen joined KAPL. solely on my capabilities. That's why A registered Professional Engineer, I'm continuing my formal education."

16 In addition to his job, he is active As president of the Everest Club, a ties. The club follows the progress of with a wide range of civic, professional, local civic group, Jim Nixon probably each student and awards more than governmental and church activities, in- has his closest contact with helping $1,000 in scholarships each year. cluding a committee chairmanship in junior and senior high school students. "I can say from my own experience the Schenectady Junior Chamber of The club conducts guidance seminars that there are plenty of opportunities Commerce. Mr. Nixon was one of the with the students to bring them up to for those who are qualified-regardless five finalists for the Schenectady "Jay- date on future job opportunities and of race or other factors," he says. cees" 1964 distinguished service award how they can best prepare themselves "From what I've seen, those who were to the "Young Man of the Year." to take advantage of these opportuni- prepared, prepared not in vain." * * ,

Jacqueline Pinckney ing (it was early 1956), and she applied at their headquarters in Philadel- phia and landed a job as a personnel testing clerk. Philadelphia woman now edits After a few months, she became sec- GE space-plant newspaper retary to an engineering manager in the department, which was then developing the first nose cone for a U.S. How does a girl move from the secre- ballistic missile. After 18 months with tarial ranks into a professional job in GE, she was promoted again, this time industry? One answer is in the eight- to an administrative job in education year General Electric career of Jacque- and training work. line Pinckney, who is editor of the The next step up for Miss Pinckney weekly General Electric NEWS at the was to education and training Valley Forge, Pa., Space Technology analyst. She worked with Company trainees - Center. engineering students from local col- She graduated with honors from leges, Company engineering and sci- Philadelphia High School for Girls, ence trainees, and the then-new Systems one of the city's best. A large insurance Engineering Development Program. company hired Miss Pinckney as a file She took a course in evalua- clerk and messenger. She enrolled Company in gram at Temple, she went on to courses tion interviewing and later added a the evening program in professional in English and history at another col- college course in psychology. secretarial work at Temple University, lege. She was restless, energetic . .. and In a in and soon January 1963, reorganization advanced to clerk-typist and being a $50-a-week secretary "wasn't Missile and Division led to an stenographer (she had Space taught herself to the world." She wanted to make more opening for an editor for the employee type during high school). She capped money and move ahead in a business newspaper at the Space her five years there with a as secre- career. Technology job Jackie Pinckney quit the insur- Center. The job would mean more tary to the advertising and sales promo- ance Her company. self-imposed unem- money, but a plunge into an entirely tion manager for the insurance com- ployment lasted little more than a week. different field. pany's home office. The new General Electric Special Jackie in to win After completing the secretarial pro- Defense Pinckney jumped Projects Department was hir- 'professional status in mid-1963. * uv William R. Ramsey Even a college man had rough going in '35. But times have changed! Conditions have changed dramatically he had earned for since grades graduate- William R. Ramsey graduated level courses. He became a program- from Wittenberg College, Springfield, mer in the Rocket Engine and Testing Ohio, in 1935. Even for the first Negro Operation where he was responsible elected to Theta Chi Delta, national for designing systems for computing honorary chemical fraternity, from his engineering problems on large-scale college, there was no work available in computers. He enrolled in Company his field during those depression days. courses in programming and took ad- Until he was appointed a letter car- vantage of on-the-job training by his rier in 1940, Mr. Ramsey worked as a supervisors. Less than a year after he waiter and a janitor. started, Mr. Ramsey's supervisor said But he didn't discourage easily. He of him, "Unlike most people, he hon- took post-graduate courses in mathe- estly expects no errors in his work-and matics. Then he taught school for a he is usually right. He takes great pride while in Cincinnati. Finally in 1960 he in doing a good programming job." applied for a job at General Electric's When work became slack in Even- Flight Propulsion Division in Evendale, dale a after he Ohio, year started, Bill Ram- where jet engines are made. Al- sey had no serious trouble finding an- though, at 46, he was a little old to be other GE job. In August, 1961, he of a team of GE starting a new career, the people at computer men work- became programming analyst with the ing on the Nike missile program at the Evendale were impressed with his solid Computer Department. He has had two White background in math and the excellent Army's Sands Proving Ground promotions since then and is now one near El Paso, Texas. *, * 17 William R. opening as a Formex helper in a plastic Ransby film-coating operation for transformer wire at a higher job code. While work- Young Georgia ing as a Formex helper, Bill Ransby employee earns tried to learn all he could about the two promotions in two years other jobs around him. As it happened, an opening for an accumulator occurred first, and his knowledge of blueprint reading en- Twenty-five year old Bill Ransby came abled him to fill that He to work at General Electric's opening. gath- Medium ers parts and subassemblies for the job, Transformer Department in Rome, expedites, and checks bills of specifica- Georgia, in early 1963. tions. Thus, in less than two Bill Prior to his with years, employment GE, Ransby had progressed from a Rate-8 Mr. Ransby regarded himself as not a janitor to a Rate- 17 accumulator. whole lot different from the average When asked to reflect back on his Negro in the South. A native of Rome, motives at the time he enrolled in the he had graduated from Rome's Main print reading course, he says, "I knew High School in 1959. At 21 years of for over three years. that it would mean a lot of time out- age, he was a little old to be graduating In 1963, attracted by General Elec- side of working hours, and a lot of from high school, but as he explains it, tric's higher wages and equal opportu- extra effort. But, I wanted to get ahead 'I failed some courses early in high nity policy, he sought employment with and I saw no subsitute for hard work school and I dropped out of school for GE. He started in the lowest rated job, and effort." quite a while. Then, I guess I made up a janitor. But his performance soon re- His present job takes him to all cor- my mind not to quit. I went back to sulted in a promotion to a job as a ners of the He his school and 1 made 'A's plant. regards posi- and 'B's in laborer. Mr. Ransby knew, however, tion as "an education in itself," and he those subjects I had failed." that he needed further training beyond says, "I like that aspect of the job." In Living with his grandparents at that his high school education in order to this he can and is all Bill job, learning he time, Ransby had to work while in qualify for many of the higher rated can about the manufacture of a trans- school. His first job was washing and jobs. "I figured that my chances of former. Why? Because as Bill Ransby busing dishes at the age of 15. After advancement wouldn't be too bright it, is his graduation from puts "Management always looking high school, his unless I did something to improve my- for a better way to do the The employment history was again not dif- job. self, so I enrolled in a Company-spon- competition is constantly getting more ferent from many Negroes in the area. sored blueprint reading course." and the He washed dishes, demanding, jobs likewise get worked as a short He completed the course, and the more demanding. I want to be ready order cook and unloaded trucks for a added knowledge helped him almost the next time a local flour mill - promotion opportunity holding the latter job immediately. He was able to fill an knocks." . . . Rozetta Riley

Kentucky girl led her high school class-but couldn't get a good job. Today she sees new hope in work at GE tube plant in Owensboro

"Sorry, we have no openings for fac- housework so that she could earn tory employment, but we are interview- money for college. In the fall of 1957, ing for clerical work if you have the Rozetta entered night school at Brescia training for it." College and continued her daytime job That was the message for Rozetta as a housekeeper. Riley when she applied for work at the After attending night school for four employment office in Owensboro, Ky., years and placing applications for em- of General Electric's Tube Depart- ployment as a secretary in many busi- ment. And, Rozetta was trained for the nesses and industries in Owensboro, to job. She had gone to night school at no avail, Rozetta Riley became discour- Brescia College in Owensboro and de- aged. She could see no job opportuni- veloped her secretarial skills first ac- ties that would justify her continuing clerk in the Tube Department's pur- quired while a student at Western High her college education. Her hopes and chasing operation. School. ambitions seemed beyond reach. She Now Miss Riley, often discouraged, But, Miss Riley's preparation was quit college in 1961 and discarded any sees new hope. She wants to prepare not easy. It required years of sacrifice thoughts of becoming a secretary. herself for a secretarial position within and persistence. At Western High, she Then, in 1963, she discussed job pos- General Electric, and she is enrolling in was graduated in 1956 as valedictorian sibilities with a General Electric inter- Owensboro Business College to re- of her class. Her ambition was to be- viewer in Owensboro. Miss Riley took sharpen her secretarial talents. She is come a secretary, but when she found a battery of clerical aptitude tests. Her determined to take advantage of the difficulty getting employment in her secretarial skills were a little rusty, but many promotional opportunities that chosen field, she obtained a job doing she earned a job offer as a price audit she sees available in the future. . . . 18 Roscoe B. Robinson, Jr. become a top-flight specialist in it. Roscoe Robinson was born in Hous- Californian prepares for career ton June 26, 1938, just in time (he says) to interfere wth his father's plans to by study during Navy service become a doctor (the senior Robinson became a painter instead and now When Roscoe Robinson saw a help- serves as a foreman at an Air Force wanted ad for a calibration technician base). Young Mr. Robinson grew up in in the General Electric electronic tube Richmond, Calif., the oldest of eight plant at Palo Alto, Calif., he applied, children. After an undistinguished high but without much hope. school career, he served six years in the He had already been job-hunting un- Navy which he feels was "the making successfully for two months and had of me." There, he says he learned this had no luck with 100 written applica- lesson: "To keep a job you work like tions to California companies. Al- heck and learn as much as you can to though he had not expected that his make yourself more valuable." transition to civilian life from the Navy Less than five months after joining He and his wife, a registered nurse, would be simple, he had not antici- General Electric, he won a three-grade expect to teach this lesson early to their pated as much difficulty as he was promotion into the technician classifi- children (Karen is two and another experiencing. cation. Meanwhile, he had been offered child is on the way). Yet, Mr. Robinson got the job, largely jobs by two other companies, but he Mr. Robinson has this advice to the because of his good Navy record. stayed with GE because he felt that the young man on the way up: While with the Navy he served on two work offered him the best challenge "Try to decide what you want to do. carriers, one destroyer and had two and opportunity. In this process avoid the 'herd' instinct. valuable years as an electronic techni- He kept on going to school (College Determine that you will be a cut above cian at the Naval Air Development of San Mateo) studying microwave average. If you cannot decide on some- Center in Pa. Johnsville, (where he had theory and electronic math. He now thing definite, set your goals as high as also attended night school classes at intends to remain in the instrumenta- you think you are of Temple University). capable reaching tion field and continue his schooling to and aim in this direction." * a . Charles Rundles Quality technician aims for perfection in electronics equipment

The quality of the nation's military to 20 highly skilled technicians and electronics equipment must be first inspectors. rate. Perfection is the aim of every im- He's progressed into this key spot portant builder of such equipment- rapidly, since signing up with GE as a even though much of it is among the junior technician in 1956. After eight most complex equipment ever made by years in industry he says, "while there man. may be instances of prejudice I, per- Charles Rundles has an important sonally, have not encountered any." role in quality work at one of the na- Promotions, he believes, are based on tion's most important military elec- the individual's ability. tronics plants, General Electric's Light Mr. Rundles studied electronics in Military Electronics Department plant Detroit after serving in the Army for "To all students aspiring to work in in Utica, N.Y. three years during the Korean conflict. in he As a industry, especially electronics," senior electronic technician in Since coming to GE he has taken advises, "get as much education as pos- quality control work, he helps provide courses at Mohawk Valley Community sible and learn to communicate with technical guidance and leadership to 16 College and Utica College. fellow employees." * a *

Benjamin W. Sallard Teamwork and experience help lick problems in exciting space work

As manager of Manufacturing Pro- information necessary for bidding on posal Programming for General Elec- new business. tric's Re-entry Systems Department in Ben Sallard has the utmost confi- Philadelphia, 35-year-old Benjamin W. dence in this business of space. "Sure, Sallard directs the activities of half a there are problems and we run into dozen manufacturing programming en- economic slumps," he says, "but we gineers. Their task: To estimate the have an excellent team of people and costs and prepare other manufacturing such sound experience that we're sure 19 to overcome any temporary dips. It's late in 1961, he anticipates a lifetime GE training courses. an exciting business." career with General Electric, and a The public speaking course has been He graduated from Dobbins Voca- continuing pursuit of his favorite sub- a definite asset since he talks to hun- tional School in Philadelphia with a ject-education. dreds of Philadelphia area students diploma in technical electricity. He During the past seven years he has each year. later served as a First Lieutenant in the continued his schooling at Drexel In- He lives with his wife, Catherine, in Army Signal Corps and was stationed stitute of Technology and is an eve- Philadelphia. They are the parents of in Japan and Korea. ning student in engineering and indus- one girl and three boys. Mrs. Sallard, Mr. Sallard joined General Electric trial administration. He will earn his a former accountant, says, "I don't in 1956 as a development wireman. bachelor's degree in two years and will know if Ben will ever finish school. Since then, he has been promoted four "go immediately after that for M.S." When the children are old enough to times. In addition to attending college at go, he will still be pursuing some kind In his present managerial job since night, Ben Sallard has also taken eight of education.". . .

Betty Jean Smith ground, and initiative, she'll be making the progress she hopes for. Initiative is nothing new to Mrs. Smith: After graduation from Parker Initiative an important asset High School in Chicago, Mrs. Smith for Chicago worker aimed for a career in teaching. She en- office rolled at Chicago Teachers College, but then decided on a career in industry. She entered the Automation Institute During the summer of 1964, work was in Chicago, where she completed a gen- backing up in the order service unit of eral business course in preparation for General Electric's Hotpoint Division in office administration. Chicago. Mrs. Betty Jean Smith, one After graduation she gained experi- of the billing clerks, mentioned the ence on two office jobs before joining log-jam to her supervisor. Mrs. Smith Hotpoint (the General Electric division had had some experience as a key- which manufactures the Hotpoint line punch operator, and she offered to put punch operator. The new job would of major appliances). She has been a this experience to work to help solve have been two grades higher than her Hotpoint billing clerk since September the problem. Her supervisor agreed, present billing clerk assignment. But of 1963, working on a clerical team and the work was soon back on sched- Mrs. Smith declined with thanks. Over with six other women. Now, she's look- ule. the long run she feels she can develop ing forward to an early promotion. Impressed with Mrs. Smith's initia- faster by carrying on with her billing And beyond this she hopes to be able tive and the accuracy and volume of work. She's hopeful of moving ahead to return to college as soon as possible her work, her supervisor had offered with her present work, and her super- and complete work for a degree in her a full-time assignment as a key- visor feels that with her ability, back- business administration. a * . Sarah Smith One hundred GE speechmakers guided by Philadelphia woman Sarah Smith directs the public speaking activities of nearly 100 members of the Speakers Bureau and the Career Guid- ance programs at the Re-entry Systems Department in Philadelphia. Under her guidance and leadership, speakers on topics that range from "How to Prepare Yourself for a Career in the Aerospace Industry" to "Tech- niques of Executive Development" have inspired students to stay in school and helped educate the public-at-large about the needs of modern industry. Born in Upland, Pa., she grew up in she attended in the mornings. She affiliated with the Retail and Wholesale Chester. After marriage, and raising worked in a cafeteria in the afternoons, Department Store Union, AFL-CIO. three children, Mrs. Smith wasn't con- to finance her education. After gradu- In 1952, she was selected to help set up tent to remain a housewife. At a time ation, she found no secretarial oppor- the Union's Health and Welfare Plan when only domestic jobs were available tunities in Chester, and headed for New in Suffolk, Virginia. While there she to most Negro women in Chester, she York City. taught typing and bookkeeping to decided to continue her education at In New York she joined the secre- Union members, the first such classes Sleeper's Business College there, which tarial staff of District 65, a labor union available to Negro adults ever in Suf- 20 folk. "This experience," Sarah Smith growing space business, working for country." Her oldest daughter lives in says, "was the turning point in my life. one of the firm's top managers. Two Chester with her husband and five chil- I found out that I wanted to work with years ago, she took her present job. dren. A son is married to a former people and above all, loved being Besides directing the Speakers Bu- schoolteacher and stationed at the Air among people." reau, she participates as one of the Force Base in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Her She returned to Philadelphia in 1959, speakers, having made numerous talks youngest daughter, Kathryn, is follow- and through an employment agency on the problems of school dropouts, ing in her mother's footsteps as a secre- found a job as a stenographer at Gen- given to junior and senior high school tary at General Electric's Advanced eral Electric's Missile and Space Divi- students. Space Projects Department in King of sion. "My three children," Sarah says, Prussia, Pa. Mrs. Smith lives in West Sarah Smith became in less than two "have been a motivating factor through- Philadelphia with her husband, a man- years the first Negro executive secre- out the years, trying to see them edu- ager in the Pennsylvania Liquor Con- tary in General Electric's new and cated and respected citizens of this trol Board system. , . Tommy W. Smith Night-shift leader directs production at Illinois tube plant

Within a few days after Tommy Smith and got along well with his co-workers, was graduated in 1955 from Joliet taking an active role in Local 110 of (Ill.) Township High School, he ap- the International Union of Electrical plied for a job at the General Electric's Workers, and serving for a time as shop local television picture tube plant. He steward. In 1962 he was chosen to sub- was selected for one of the job openings stitute in the absence of a foreman for as a bulb processor. From that day three months. His performance during until the present, Mr. Smith's experi- this temporary assignment again dem- ence with the Company has been one onstrated his capacity for leadership of continual job progress. He is now a and reliability. working leader at the Joliet plant, di- Mr. Smith's most recent success recting the work of the 14-man, third came when Joliet management decided shift production crew from 11 o'clock to rearrange the supervisory responsi- at night to 7 in the morning. bilities, create a working leaders clas- the future. He now plans to enroll in a Tommy Smith's first promotion sification, and place the working leader two-year management training institute came after a year as a bulb processor, in charge of the third-shift operations. sponsored by the Will County Manu- when he was selected to fill an opening The man selected for this position had facturer's Association. And he is pre- in the tester's job. He mastered that job to be one who had demonstrated a paring for his boys' futures also. He is quickly and demonstrated a capacity knowledge of the product, the equip- a full participant in the General Elec- for more responsibility. So, when an ment, the manufacturing methods, and tric Savings and Stock Bonus Program, opening occurred in the utility oper- the men. Based on his past perform- so that his boys will have the finances ator classification in May, 1958, he was ance, Tommy Smith was the man. necessary for a college education. selected for the upgrading. While serv- He is now 28 years old, married, and Tommy Smith says, "The future being as a utility operator, Mr. Smith's the father of two young boys-Terry, longs to those who set high goals and leadership ability became obvious. He eight years old, and Jerry, seven. apply themselves daily to the accom- knew the manufacturing operations, Mr. Smith continues to prepare for plishment of those goals." * * a James Stamper Was he wasting time with school? 'No!' says aircraft specialist

"My friends thought I was spending On returning to civilian life, Mr. too much time going to night school," Stamper re-joined General Electric, James Stamper, an aircraft electrical this time wiring control panels. By specialist at Schenectady General Elec- now, he had already picked up his high tric, said recently about his career with school equivalency diploma and really GE. "It turned out that the people who went to work on the night courses in told me I was wasting my time were adult education. He studied math, elec- actually the ones who were wasting tronics and radio and TV servicing. theirs." Another department temporarily Mr. Stamper had three years of high needed a man with his skills and his school and a dozen years as a waiter boss "loaned" him out. They were so behind him when he got an unskilled impressed, that he was asked to stay. job at Schenectady General Electric in In 1951, the GE Schenectady Flight 1942. Soon, he was a machine operator Test Center "borrowed" him for a spe- and the following year he joined the cial job. Again, he was asked to stay Air Corps, where he stayed until 1946. and, for the second time, got a better 21 job with more responsibility and more tive role in community activities-espe- tady school board and a church trustee. pay. Since then, it has been a series of cially helping young people. Mr. Stam- "What I try to impress on the young- promotions for him, and today he holds per is currently president of the Carver sters is the fact that ability to do a job an important job with an opportunity Community Center in Schenectady, a -and do it well-is the most important to utilize the skills he has developed former president of the local chapter thing. At the time, I didn't realize the on the job and "at the books." of the NAACP, a member of the com- benefits that extra studying would bring He's also found time to take an ac- mittee on candidates for the Schenec- but it certainly paid off for me.". . a

Vernon M. Stockton yer. Engineering had captured his enthusiasm. Currently his sights are set on getting himself equipped to work on Virginia technician aiming a product line as an application engineer. He knows it isn't going to be easy. to become application engineer "I'm planning to go back to school," he says, "and to apply for General Vernon Stockton had his future plans Electric's Tuition Refund Program. clearly in mind when he graduated This program is one of the opportuni- from Lucy Addison High School in ties I didn't know about before I joined Roanoke, Va.; he was going to become the Company. Since I've been here, I a lawyer. have found that several other techni- In the fall of the same year, he en- in almost constant contact with key en- cians have followed the same course tered Talledega University, Alabama, gineering people devising elaborate and have gone on to become engi- to begin his liberal arts studies. Things control equipment to be used in nearly neers." Through the Tuition Refund went fine for him until the end of his every basic industry -throughout the Program, the Company pays a portion sophomore year when he was forced free world. of the student's expenses to help him to drop out of college for financial rea- Mr. Stockton has had two increases obtain an education that will be of sons. in the short time he has been with the value to him on his job. Returning to the Roanoke area, he Company and has the opportunity to It will take Vernon Stockton several applied for work at General Electric's progress to higher grade work based on years to reach his goal, but he is con- Industry Control plant. He was offered his ability and performance on his job fident he can make it. "I like the work," the position of Engineering Technician assignments. he says, "and I particularly like the op- in Standards and Drafting, a unit of Less than six months after joining portunities and the challenges I meet the Design Engineering operation. Ac- General Electric, Vernon Stockton re- every day. I can chart my own im- cepting the position, he found himself alized he no longer wanted to be a law- provement." * * Wood Taylor III

Son of General Electric man rises from low-rated work

Since Wood Taylor III joined General Electric 10 years ago, he has risen from a janitor's job in the Household Refrig- erator Department in Appliance Park, Louisville, to be an engineering technician in the Dishwasher and Disposall Department's Product Evaluation Lab- oratory. Actually, this was accomplished in less than 10 years on the job didn't have a special interest in any par- spurred my interest toward an inspec- because the Company granted him ticular field. I attended Louisville Mu- tor's job. By mid-1955 an opening as three leaves of absence during the pe- nicipal College for one semester before an inspector came through and after riod for military service. volunteering for the Army. After three a series of tests, the job was mine. Mr. Taylor's ultimate goal is to be an years in the Army I was discharged as "The years of 1958 through 1963 engineer-with special emphasis on a sergeant. Dad had started to work were years of change. As an Army Re- statistical analysis and the design and for General Electric three years before servist, I attended Officers' Candidate development of appliance control com- in 1951, and he was so sold on the School, attended Signal Officers' Basic ponents. Let him tell how he proposes Company that I decided to apply. Course, and was called up during the to achieve this goal: "I started out as a janitor, the only Cuban crisis. Thus I received three mil- "When I graduated from Central open job at the time. Within a few itary leaves, with seniority protected, in High School in Louisville back in 1950, months I was a machine operator and four years. GE is one of the few com- I wasn't really sure what kind of job had nearly doubled my starting rate. panies that has a liberal policy toward I wanted. I had fair grades in high Working with the close tolerances re- the citizen soldier. I, especially, can school-about a low "B" average-but quired in the machining operation appreciate this. 22 "After returning to GE in 1963, cational background in engineering working with the design engineers, I was notified of a job opening in the subjects, gained at night school at In- evaluating new dishwasher compo- Engineering Laboratory in the Dish- diana University Extension in Jeffer- nents. This means setting up the test washer and Disposall Department. sonville, Ind. panels, running the tests, analyzing the After being interviewed along with sev- "I've been a technician in D&D for data and writing reports on the results. eral other fellow employees, I was se- a year and a half and it's been a tre- I am going to school at nights, getting lected for the job, because of my edu- mendous experience. Right now I am credits to an engineering degree."" a

Alfred T. Tribble cation" he declares, "but they knew this was a decided handicap and they recognized their deficiency so they were He's halfway through college driven to see that we got our educa- after 5 years of night classes tion." He admits that full-time work and evening study in quest of a degree isn't Alfred T. Tribble joined General Elec- easy for a family man with two chil- tric 12 years ago as a stock boy. Today dren. he is a manufacturing engineering spe- "It's taken a lot of understanding on cialist with General Electric's Switch- my wife's part, especially the fact that gear Department in Collingdale, Pa. she has to be both father and mother His goal is to someday qualify as a to our two young children when I'm Department General Manager with the trying to study. But she's with me on Company. our goal." What made the difference in 12 He is already looking beyond the years, from stock boy to specialist? B.S. to more. "Education," says Mr. Tribble. "Education is the key that unlocks "Anyone can do anything if they can so many doors. My experience in this go after the knowledge to do the job goal to work for a bachelor of science Company has proved that. and keep at it." degree in electrical engineering. He is "Each year my supervisors have The 33-year old specialist adds: "I still attending Pennsylvania Military taken an interest in how I am doing in think one of the aspects I like best College Evening Division, Chester, Pa., school and what I am doing. I think about working for GE is that for one after five years. He expects he will the GE Tuition Refund is a fine pro- who is qualified, there is no limit." complete his requirements for the de- gram, helpful for those who desire to Mr. Tribble graduated from North- gree in 1968. further their education. It's one more east High School in Philadelphia in Coming from a family which example that those in the know realize 1948, and went on to Temple Night stressed education, Al Tribble intends that education is a key factor not only School on its associate degree course. to do the same. "My parents did not for the future of individuals but for the Before completing that, he changed his have the benefit of a high school edu- Company's future as well." .a N Robert E. Warr Men are being judged by abilities; be ready to demonstrate them Robert E. Warr is an electronics engi- ernment contract work. In June, 1964, neer doing advanced development work he was one of four winners in the an- at General Electric's Electronics Lab- nual technical papers contest sponsored oratory in Syracuse, N.Y. He received by the Syracuse Section, Institute of his B.S. degree in physics from Fisk Electrical and Electronics Engineers. University and then went on to obtain Before Mr. Warr joined General his M.S. degree in physics at Purdue Electric in 1956, he spent six years University. In both programs, he grad- with two other firms as a physicist. uated in the top third of his class. As a When he came to the Electronics Lab- result of his scholastic achievements, oratory three years ago, he had already he was admitted to membership in spent five years at another General Sigma Pi Sigma, a physics honorary Electric location. His primary technical society. interest was systems reliability engi- Bob Warr recognizes that publish- neering, but he had also led technical ing technical papers enhances his pro- programs in laser work, microminia- dent of the fessional Syracuse branch of the reputation and adds to the turization and nuclear radiation effects. NAACP, a member of the Area Coun- Laboratory's reservoir of technical He is currently working on programs cil of the State Commission on Human knowledge. To date he has authored or in microelectronics and reliability en- Rights, a member of the Citizens Coun- co-authored four published reports and gineering. He is a member of two tech- cil on Urban Renewal, and a board eight internal technical reports, part of nical societies-Institute of Electrical member of his church. General Electric's technical informa- and Electronics Engineers and Re- How does he feel about job security tion series. These totals do not include search Society of America. and advancement? his "Once you obtain contributions to customer reports Bob Warr is also vitally interested a to hold it and re- and proposals job, your ability written to attract gov- in civic affairs. He is currently presi- ceive job promotions is dependent to a 23 great degree upon you, the individual," planning? "Start your planning early," lege must plan their future careers," says he. "The initiative one demon- he says. "I did not make my decision says he, "since more and more jobs strates-the projects one starts on his until after four years of college. Young- will require training. In the future, our own-the extra effort exerted above sters of today and tomorrow just can- country will need more skilled workers and beyond the demands of the job- not afford to wait as long-especially in such as technicians, mechanics, secre- all play an important role in one's abil- the technical fields. They will have to taries, computer programmers-all of ity to keep his job and grow in it. Keep- make their decisions by high school- these jobs require special training." ing abreast of new developments in even junior high school - so that they Any final advice? "Yes, one point," one's chosen field is also important. can prepare themselves to meet the says Mr. Warr. "Under no circum- Education never stops. Change is so competition. Advanced planning instances should a youngster-or even an rapid these days-especially in the tech- cludes thinking of how to meet the ex- adult-get the idea that the world owes nical fields-that one must continually penses associated with higher educa- him anything. We achieve our goals to take courses and read. For example, tion and striving for the highest grades an important degree through our own since completing my work at Purdue possible. Youngsters who come from efforts. Thankfully, the trend today is in 1951, I have taken six additional homes with limited incomes should re- that a man is judged by his abilities- technical graduate courses and a num- alize that scholarships in most fields are this is the way it should be. It means, ber of Company courses-and I plan to available to those who have good aca- though, that an individual must be pre- take more." demic records. pared so that he can demonstrate his What advice does Bob Warr have "Even those youngsters who do not abilities when the opportunity presents for youngsters today relative to career have the intention of going on to col- itself." ' * a

Edward L. Whitehorne

Learning what customers want in GE products

What do customers expect from the Brooklyn, but instead of continuing his biggest manufacturer of electrical education immediately he entered the equipment in the world? Naturally, Air Force. Four years in the Air Force, General Electric tries to find out-and including three in Europe, gave him in an office at the headquarters of Gen- background in statistical work. Then eral Electric in busy midtown Manhat- came a year of study of data process- tan sits a young man from Brooklyn ing equipment, followed by four years named Edward Whitehorne. On his as a computer tape librarian at the desk are papers and desk calculating Brooklyn Army terminal. His first con- equipment. Behind him is a wall of tact with General Electric came in punched cards representing thousands 1962 when he worked as an indepen- of answers to thousands of questions. dent contractor, handling data process- every field," he points out. "The prob- A few feet away is a room filled with ing work on a free-lance basis. He lem is to make a decision as early as data processing equipment. landed his present job in the summer possible, and follow through with the As a part of the GE Marketing and of 1963. kind of education that will help you Public Relations Research team, Mr. Mulling over the problems of young meet your goals. There are plenty of Whitehorne sifts the raw material to people in today's complex society, Mr. adults still 'fooling around' today be- try to extract data on customer needs. Whitehorne believes that the toughest cause they didn't set their goals early Mr. Whitehorne was graduated with problem is deciding on realistic goals. enough or because they didn't make the honors from Boys High School in "There is opportunity to advance in necessary effort to follow through.". .

Dorothy P. Whiten launch, carry out their missions in space, and then return safely to the earth with their vital information in- She helps make sure that space tact. vehicles missions Mrs. Whiten comes by her technical accomplish responsibilities by an unusual route. Her academic and early work experi- Making sure that space vehicles come ence were in business administration up with the right equipment to accom- and finance. She joined General Elec- plish their missions in outer space is a tric in 1957 as a file clerk in the quality primary concern of Dorothy Whiten, control print crib. After promotions to a supervisor in the quality control divi- stenographer and secretary, she began vision of General Electric's Re-entry on-the-job training as a clerk in the Systems Department in Philadelphia. calibration book group. A deep interest It's her responsibility to lead a team in this work and a desire to become a of six people in assisting GE systems specialist in this field prompted her engineers to develop the proper equip- enrollment in three Company courses: ment for a variety of space re-entry -I Mathematics, computer programming vehicles-spacecraft that must survive and basic electricity. 24 Dorothy Whiten has had four pro- She is married and lives with her chorus, a group of 105 people who motions since then and plans to seek husband and four sons in West Phila- have appeared on the Ed Sullivan further advancement in quality control delphia. She satisfies a love of music show and with the Philadelphia Or- studies at one of the evening colleges. as a member of the Singing City chestra. . v.a

Paul Whiteneir child now in the picture, financial dif- ficulties caught up with him and he had to drop out of school. He washed Former car washer and cabbie cars at $1.00 per hour and drove a taxi. In the summer he was a letter becomes development engineer carrier by day and a student at Illinois Institute of Technology by night. In the fall he tried to stretch the finances Paul Whiteneir, a development engi- to cover full time enrollment at Roose- neer in the Television Receiver Depart- velt University, but was forced to drop ment, feels that the designation "Equal out again after a month. Opportunity Employer" used today by At this point, "the future began to General Electric and many other com- look very dark" as Mr. Whiteneir re- panies means just that-provided an alized that taxi driving was barely go- applicant has the needed qualifications. ing to support his family and give him Mr. Whiteneir is qualified to speak no opportunity to save for school. But both from his own experience (he has technical degrees. Two young lieuten- assistance in the form of lodging for a interviewed with almost 50 large and ants took an interest in him and en- time came from an aunt of his wife, small companies since graduation from couraged him to return to school and and from his father who was able to the University of Illinois), and from go on for a college degree. After pass- loan him enough to transport the fam- his work as education and employment ing the military's GED test which Mr. ily to the University of Illinois cam- chairman in the NAACP Chapter at Whiteneir describes as, ".... theoretically pus at Urbana-Champaign. the university. From some of the firms -and only theoretically-the equivalent During the last year and a half at his he interviewed, he received job offers; of a high school diploma..." he was college he held many part time jobs. from others he did not. As he points released from service to pursue his His wife did baby sitting and took in out, "I wasn't the man some of those education under the GI Bill. ironing, and money, of course, was companies were looking for. Not be- He was admitted to the University always tight. The university was a great cause of my race, but just because my of Illinois Center in Chicago for one help according to him in getting jobs qualifications and training didn't meet semester on the strength of his GED and arranging loans. He got a long term their needs at the time." Paul White- test, but was placed on probation with National Defense Loan and many neir feels that "it is important for young the understanding that he must achieve short-term loans. Paul Whiteneir Negroes to realize that just because a at least all "C's" to stay in. "I soon praises General Electric and the other company says 'no,' is no reason to feel found myself over my head in every- companies who see fit to make monies they are discriminating because of thing," he remembers. Despite many available to colleges for these short- race." He advises: "Look instead at hours of hard work one "D" in chem- term loans which meant so much to your own qualifications." istry flunked him out of the university him. And he knows something about -but he didn't quit. Finally, February 1963, brought his qualifications too. Only a few years ago On the advice of the dean, Paul electrical engineering degree from the his were only sufficient to get him a Whiteneir entered Illinois Institute of University of Illinois and realization of job washing cars and driving a taxi. Technology for the summer term, and a long term goal for him. But by now Mr. Whiteneir dropped out of high Wilson Jr. College in Chicago for the he had set another -his master's, and school at age 14. His father's health next full academic year. Again, he was while employed by his first post-gradu- failed and young Paul felt he might be on probation, but this time he found ate employer in Boston, he completed able to help. So he lied about his age himself academically and earned better two courses toward that goal. and joined the Air Force where he was than a "B" average for the year, and After leaving his first engineering sent to radio maintenance school, and in 1958 was readmitted to the Chicago job, Paul Whiteneir applied to General put on a job where he worked for offic- Center of the University of Illinois. Electric and accepted his current job ers and industry representatives with Then by 1960 with a wife and one in Syracuse. ..a.

Charles E. Williams Computers beckon him to career in rapidly expanding business With a brand new degree in accounting plans. While in service he became a from Arizona State College, Charles E. proficient data processing equipment Williams had about made up his mind operator. He was soon convinced that on a career as a public accountant the promising new computer industry when he was drafted into the Army in was the place for him. When he left the 1959. Army in 1962 he applied for a job at As has happened to others before General Electric's Computer Depart- him, however, Mr. Williams' two years ment in Phoenix. in the Army resulted in a change in With his education and Army experi-

25 ence, he had no problem getting a job tasks-and to make sure that customers computer programming and applica- as a tab machine operator in applica- receive the right programs to perform tions in order to advance to more re- tion engineering in May, 1962. the work the customer wants to accom- sponsible positions in computer mar- His supervisor rated his work out- plish with his computer. keting. The people he works with are standing and noted especially Mr. Wil- In his present job, Charles Williams confident he will succeed. liams' businesslike approach to his is enthusiastic about the opportunities Mr. Williams has married and work, his good judgment, dependability he has to learn more from the program- started a family since coming with and his eagerness to learn. ming specialists, engineers, salesmen General Electric. But as part of his In August, 1963, he was promoted and customers he deals with and who, career plan, he intends to return to col- to program librarian in marketing. His he says, are always willing to take the lege, probably next winter, to work job is to maintain computer programs time to help him with his personal pro- towards a master's degree in business -complicated sets of instructions for gram of self development. His present administration with emphasis on com- computer systems to perform specific objective is to become more expert in puter applications. . . .

Esper Williams on various machines used by him and fellow students in shop training. He specialized in automotive mechanics. A pprentice starting 3½12-year Besides an aptitude for mechanical program to become machinist work, he has demonstrated he is indus- trious and willing to work toward real- As a graduate fresh out of high school, izing his goals. He served part-time Esper Williams didn't wait for "oppor- during most of his high school career tunity" to knock on his door. Instead, as a clerk in the book room at the he went out looking for it on his own. Cleveland Board of Education. During His job opportunity developed out of the summer he did maintenance work a casual visit to General Electric's at a warehouse. Lamp Equipment Operation in Cleve- Mr. Williams believes his religious land in February, 1964-only a week training accounts for his success in after receiving his diploma at Cleve- school and in the job opportunity he land's East Technical High School. the job, with supplemental instruction has found at General Electric. He has While looking for a job at a nearby in classes given at the plant and at Fenn been active in his church since an early factory one morning, Mr. Williams College. Course work includes machine age and devotes much of his time in spotted the Lamp Equipment Plant and shop math, mechanical drawing, blue- volunteer activity there. decided to make an inquiry there. He print reading and related subjects. "My family and my church associ- recalled that General Electric had been The apprentices were selected be- ates have shown a lot of faith in me recommended to him by a friend who cause they have a marked aptitude for and have given me much encourage- is employed at Nela Park, headquarters mechanical and technical work. The ment," he says. "I'd like to justify this of the Company's Lamp Division. course covers 6,800 hours of shop work faith and be a credit to them, as well as The personnel supervisor was in the divided into eight periods of 850 hours to my race and to my employer." process of considering applicants for each. An additional minimum of ap- He adds: an opening in the apprentice training proximately 600 hours of evening "I have been very encouraged, too, program. Esper Williams was inter- classroom studies is also required. by the way I have been treated here. viewed and given standard tests re- Upon satisfactory completion of the It's a fine place to work and I hope I quired of all shop applicants. He was apprenticeship course, the employee re- can make the grade in this apprentice found qualified and hired. ceives a cash bonus of $100, a certifi- training program." He joined a group of ten young men cate of graduation and a graduation The young apprentice has a large who are currently enrolled in a 31/2- pin. rooting section at home. In addition to year apprenticeship program. The ap- While at East Tech, Esper Williams his parents, he has four brothers and prentices learn the machinists' trade on found he liked to work with tools and four sisters. . , *

Ollie Williams She deals with many people as editorial secretary on GE magazine In the summer of 1962 the outlook was One of her first stops that July was at bleak at the New York City publishing the executive offices of General Elec- company at which Miss Ollie Williams tric. She filled out application forms, was employed as a secretary: Business passed stiff proficiency tests, and then was poor, there had been staff cutbacks, continued on her job-hunting rounds. and there were rumors of pay reduc- A few days later, the editors of Gen- tions. In July Miss Williams started eral Electric's award-winning employee showing her record to prospective new magazine, The Monogram, had a prob- employers.( She had seven years of sec- lem. Their experienced editorial secre- retarial background with two publish- tary was planning to leave. They were <( ing companies, American Girl maga- delighted to find Miss Williams' appli- -5. zine, a trade union, and the NAACP.) cation on file. Her publication experi- 26 ence seemed to match perfectly with her secretarial certificate from Drake I like it. Second, meeting and talking the requirements of the job. She made Business College. She has since taken with a lot of people," says Miss Wil- a fine impression in her interview and courses in English at the City College liams. "A magazine office is a busy within a month was learning the rou- of New York and French at Alliance place. Every day brings visitors from tines of her new job with the help of Francaise. She's still studying, in fact. all over the country. And I'm on the her predecessor. When the chance came up to do some phone daily talking to people in Gen- Miss Williams joined General Elec- writing for the GE Monogram, she eral Electric plants from coast to coast tric with a slight pay raise over her last signed up for creative writing classes at -.assembling facts, checking stories, position. In the two years since, her pay New York University. And she's an and so forth. In fact, many of the peo- has increased by more than 15 per cent omnivorous reader - mostly good fic- ple who come into our office from out over her starting salary. She's earned tion. of town are already old telephone two merit increases and shared in one Miss Williams believes that "every friends." general increase. Most importantly, young person should reach out for the And what else makes an impact? perhaps, by her initiative and eagerness best possible education. "Deadline time!" she says, emphatic- to expand the scope of her work she "Hard work in the classroom pays ally. "Things get hectic around any has helped earn a raise in grade for the off," she points out, "and so does the publication when you're wrapping it up position, thus opening up future ad- determination to learn new skills and -and The Monogram is no exception. vancement opportunities. grasp new ideas on the job. I've learned But we work together and get the late Education has played a major role in something new on each job -and it's stories written and checked and the pic- Miss Williams' progress. She main- really helped." tures assembled and the final proofs tained a "B" average at PS 157 and What does she like most about her okayed. And when we finally get it off Prospect Heights High School in work at General Electric? "First, I have to the printers we feel pretty good about Brooklyn, and then went on to earn a chance to write for the first time-and a job well done." . a * Pauline Williams 'Never a better time for qualified people to get jobs'

Pauline Williams went to work as a typist. Since then it has been a series of parts checker at General Electric's big promotions for her, with an increase in Schenectady plant at the beginning of responsibilities and in pay each time. In World War II. Today she holds one of her spare time, she took courses at Rus- the key secretarial positions on the sell Sage College in nearby Troy and in Company's engineering staff at Sche- May of this year she was graduated nectady. with a bachelor of arts degree in psy- "Right now the opportunities are chology. just endless - especially for college Last fall, she was invited to speak to trained people," Miss Williams says. young Negro women attending a spe- "There has never been a better time for cial secretarial course at New York qualified people to get and hold jobs." University. The course, sponsored by "This is a wonderful time for mem- Miss Williams began her career with the National Urban League, the Gen- bers of minority groups to be growing General Electric in a factory job. How- eral Electric Company and five other up. The opportunities are there. But be ever, she had attended business school firms, helps the girls prepare themselves sure you're qualified when you apply at night and when the war ended she for industrial careers. Said Miss Wil- for a job. You won't be happy unless - - applied for and got a job as a clerk liams: you are.""a a Lawrence H. Wright Developing a job philosophy-and following it for advancement

"Do the best you can, even a little scholastically in the upper half of his better!" class, he enlisted in the service and was This is the job philosophy that Law- based at the Thule Airfield in Green- rence H. Wright follows at General land. He was assigned to the Water Electric's Locomotive and Car Equip- Supply and Purification Unit, but found ment Department in Erie, Pa. This in- he didn't know one tool from another. cludes taking courses to learn skills for So, he enrolled in a USAF correspond- better jobs. ence course in plumbing. The course Mr. Wright developed his job philos- helped in his eventual promotion to ophy while serving a four-year enlist- Airman First Class. Among his other ment in the Air Force. Following grad- Air Force educational projects was to uation in 1957 from Strong Vincent master the mysteries of square roots, High School in Erie, where he ranked which he did with the aid of a bor-

27 rowed text on the subject. school course in blueprint reading. The night school, including Electricity I. After his Air Force discharge in late knowledge gained in this subject con- "Industry wants employees with edu- 1961, Larry Wright made several ap- tributed to another job advancement. cation," he says. His experience is plications for jobs in the Erie area. One In September, 1963, his work was ex- reflected in his advice to a younger was at Erie General Electric where his panded to include motor assembly, as brother and two sisters. "It's foolish to mother had been employed for 16 well as painting. This combination job quit school. Unless you have an educa- years as a coil winder in motor manu- was six levels above the entry job he tion, there's nothing for you on the out- facturing. He began work there in had started on 18 months before. In the side." April, 1962, as a materials mover. summer of 1964 he became the first His belief in the value of education Within three months he won a two-step, operator of improved painting equip- extends to his hobby of art. The paint- higher-pay promotion to a frame painter ment that had been installed during the ing courses that he took at the City of for traction motors. plant vacation shutdown in July. Erie's Technical High Night School and In September, 1962, Mr. Wright en- Larry Wright plans to take other at the Erie Art Club have fostered his rolled in Erie General Electric's night job-oriented courses at the Erie Plant's skill in sketching, painting and layout.

28 "There shall be no discrimination by foremen, superintendents, or any executives of the Company against any employee because of race, or creed, or because of an employee's membership in any fraternity, society, labor organization or other lawful organization." - Gerard Swope, President, General Electric Company, 1935.

"Our belief today is the same as it was 26 years ago when we published our first statement on equality of opportunity for all. We continue to feel that, as a principle of sound business management, we should offer both employment and advancement opportunities to the best qualified individuals available, without regard to their race, creed, or color." -Ralph J. Cordiner, Chairman of the Board of Directors, General Electric Company, in a Statement Pledging Full Cooperation with the "Plans For Progress" Program of the President's Committee on Equal Opportunity, 1961.

"Years ago the Company's policy of non-discrimination was formu- lated on the basis of good corporate citizenship. Our action was not dictated by government pressure or by a desire to be well regarded, but simply as recognition of an obligation to do what is right. Our policy is clear, and each level of management must make sure it is well understood - and fully implemented at every location. -I .t

. - Fred J. Borch, :'01 President, General Electric Company, and :;:1 Member of the National Citizens Committee For :-X:: Community Relations Established Under the Civil :;;n Rights Law to Promote Voluntary Observance, 1964. A..,

"Steady progress in providing equal opportunity will not only move our country closer to its high ideals, but also help to remove some serious obstacles to accelerated economic growth. General Electric's Equal Employment Opportunity Policy must continue to be implemented on a Company-wide front. This is what we all must do. It is not an optional matter for any one of us." - Gerald L. Phillippe, Chairman of the Board of Directors, General Electric Company, 1964. TAgrss Is Our MostOmpor PAWuct

GENERAL*> ELECTRIC

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT and EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SERVICES EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION OPERATION

For single copies of this booklet, please write Employee Relations Publications, Building 2, General Electric Company, Schenectady, New York 12305.

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Ask fo(9 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRESS," Publication No. ERC-41)

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