PERSONNEL: Mail-Order Education

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As the biggest general store in the world, Sears, Roebuck & Co. knows that it pays to take good care of its 190,000 employees. Long a leader in the field of human relations, Sears has one of the most liberal pension and profit-sharing plans in the U.S., feels that through owning 24% of the company themselves, the employees are bound to work harder for it. Now Sears has another plan to benefit employer and employee alike.

Beginning in June, employees will be able to take free correspondence courses from the "Sears Extension Institute." Brainchild of Theodore V. Houser, newly appointed vice chairman and crown prince to Sears' boss Robert E. Wood, the Institute will offer seven courses designed to teach employees more about the merchandising and use of such items as foundation garments, fabrics, paints, rugs and carpets, heating equipment and roofing. The courses will cost the company an estimated $750,000 a year. To date, 10,000 employees have signed up.