Apprentices

[gazzamikes]

What is it with apprentices?

I've now tried two and feel that I won't find even a half decent one.

The first told a customer to f*** off! And stole materials.

The second didn't listen when I told him 3 times not to fit the screw in the back box as it needs retapping,
1 day later after having to chop in new box carefully remove the shiny chrome face plate and refitting and replastering asked him to connect the hob in the kitchen we're fitting he lobbed the screwdriver ontop of the touch hob then onto the work top!

Is there really any hope for anybody?

How do you guys find your apprentices?

A friend of mine took on a 16 year girl and her attitude is spot on, but guys her age couldn't care less!

 

[PC Electrics]

My apprentice came to me as a recommendation. I took him on for a trial before taking him as an appy proper. He just did some days with me when he could whilst still doing his other job (stacking shelves at Sainsbury).

He was 19 when I took him on and is quite responsible and seems to realise he needs to work hard if he's going to achieve. He has plenty of friends without jobs so has risen above that slobbish culture.

But yes, I heard many horror stories and it worried me when deciding to take on someone, so I feel quite lucky.

 

[PC Electrics]

A painter friend of mine had a girl as an appy. She has a little kid now, but still has her own business p&d'ing.

Kids these days do seem to think everything good in life should just fall into their laps!

 

[Adam W]

You could try an adult trainee instead; maybe someone who didn't get the opportunity to do an apprenticeship when they were younger.

Or you could employ a girl, or a Polish person. They may not actually be any better but you might be more forgiving with them because you will have different expectations.

 

[JD6400]

We only take on mature apprentices of over around 25+ , in general .
We have had two female employs that have been on the tools , one as a bit of a stop gap after her college course in agricultural management and the other a fully fledged apprentice who was very badly let down by her college !
They were both good and we were impressed with their attitude on both occasions .
Although it was some times a issue when at times , physical strength was needed in the job

As for the support the colleges give to apprentices , it is no surprise they could not give a ---- when at work !!!
Out of the four locall colleges that we have had dealings with i have been astounded as to what a poor level , they can actually manage to stoop to ?

 

[i=p/u]

sure you want to see the way the act in the classrooms these days... no respect (some people)

 

[logan1875]

I was 21 myself when I started my apprenticeship, I certainly feel as it benefited me. I passed up opportunities at school of apprenticeships, worked in crappy jobs and knew I was drinking in last chance saloon so to speak. I too have now had problems with the "younger generation" and wonder maybe if it's better they see how hard things can be out there before they take our jobs for granted.

 

[Sticky]

I've employed 7 apprentices over the past 18 yrs and in my experience the quality of the Lad always reflected the quality of the parents and the upbringing of the Lad.
Always could tell if I was going to encounter problems when they said " My Mum/Dad says "etc.
And I always used to tell them " Your Mum/Dad doesn't pay your wages Lad "
Still see most of the good ones whilst out socialising and they still ask for advice.(Electrical & Moral ! )

 

[mickys86]

So where do you guys look for your apprentices?? I am in an apprenticeship now, I'm 28 and have not been told off yet. Wether that's me or I just have a patient boss I dont know, but I've only made one major mistake but I put that right in an hr at no extra cost to the business (except the hrs labour)

At my college there are plenty of mature guys who would snap your hand off at an apprenticeship.

 

[Sticky]

I got the last 3 through JTL. The one I've got now is 23 and is a really good Lad. He was unemployed when we set him on but had worked in other aspects of the building trade and doesn't need to be told anything twice. On the rare occasions when he has made a mistake he owns up straight away. As an employer you can't really ask for anything more than common decency and honesty. We all F things up now and again.
As my old boss used to say " A Man who never made a mistake never made anything"

 

[gazzamikes]

I agree we all make mistakes, that's the way we learn. Just astounds me the lack of common sense people seem to have. I would happily try an older person which I feel may be more beneficial to be honest. Just the age gap may be a pronlem

 

[Webman176]

Im currently trying to look for an apprenticeship. I'm 29 currently working full time and coming to the end of my 3rd year at college. Can I ask as I haven't passed the college stage would JLT be able to help me?

Thanks
Mark

 

[Webman176]

Sorry JTL haha

 

[mickys86]

Definitely not going to kill ya to find out!! Call em up

 

[monkeyhanger]

I've had 2 apprentices. The first was 23. He had to be told everything 5 times and didn't seem to take any notice- i.e. wear your safety boots, don't put greasy drill bits on the carpet, don't leave tools lying around all over, don't swear infront of customers etc. etc. as he was 23 I had to pay £1500 towards training in the september- in december he decided to move out of town to live with his new lass, a 40 min drive away. He expected me to pick him up! after being told he would have to get the bus into town unless we were working out of town, and being late 4 times and not turning up another day out of 5 days, he never showed up for work again. I haven't seen or heard from him since. This left me out of pocket (£1500 training fees and £100 on uniform)- what a waste of space.

My current apprentice is 18 so all training is funded by the government. He came as recommended by the local college. He has been with me 4 months and has never been late for work or college on his day release, is polite to customers and hard working. He hasn't complained when we'eve ended up stuck on a job until 8:30PM, I can't fault him.

It's a bit of a gamble.

 

[Webman176]

Think I will check them out. Just with no college fee's as passed the courses I thought it may have been easier. Still the search continues haha.. I'm in Guildford if any1 know a company looking for an apprentice

 

[Adam W]

I tried JTL when I was at college a few years ago, I would have been about 26 at the time; JTL wouldn't do anything for me because of my age.
Knowing my luck though they've probably moved the goalposts and they'll bend over backwards to help you now.

 

[mogga]

FIRM i WORKER WITH HAD 6 apprentices 4 in 4th yr 2 in 2nd
of the 4 Id employ 2 of them when their time was out
no1 great guy enjoys a good time away from work BUT from clearing out van,shop ect to dealing with store manager Id never have a problem with him reliable ect ect
no2 great guy bit irratic away from work home life was a bit of a turmoil n caused him a few problems during his first 2 years then he "tobered up " a bit n realy knuckled down Never late even when traveling 2hrs from home to get picked up ALLWAYS on the first train Great worker and clients liked his cheeky chappy outlook
no3 Great knowlage but "my mum says" My dad says" every time he was asked to do something Wouldnt travel to meet me even reporting to the boss one time I dropped him off n told him to get the train (Back fired as only thing gaffer said was "WHY are you picking him up he should be meeting you!!!"
no4 waste of space needed a right good boot up the jacksie
of the 2nd years 1 both were great guys and good at college BUT one had an aptitude on him that realy put people off him and dealing with clients wasnt his best thing
ITS pot luck realy as my no2 could have been sacked and lost to the trade ( he nearly was as he couldnt get a start after time out ) but he was given the chance and turned himself arround

 

[Igotwhatittakes]

I'm based in manchester. I'm 24 have use of a van (or transport) just completed my first year of a three year adult learners course to gain level 3, I just feel I need to be in the industry more hands-on so I can further my knowledge, 1 day a week for me is not enough.

I just need to be given a chance of an apprenticeship and if I did they would not regret it. I'm registered with JTL and in the process of registering with Skills Solutions.

If you are searching for a fully dedicated apprentice in the Cheshire/Derbyshire and surrounding areas (willing to travel) then look no further, PM me to discuss further,

Forgot to mention I will be willing to work for apprentice wages and pay for my course fees and exams, believe you me I need and want this more than anything.

Thanks Philip

 

[Garythenab]

I'm based in manchester. I'm 24 have use of a van (or transport) just completed my first year of a three year adult learners course to gain level 3, I just feel I need to be in the industry more hands-on so I can further my knowledge, 1 day a week for me is not enough.

I just need to be given a chance of an apprenticeship and if I did they would not regret it. I'm registered with JTL and in the process of registering with Skills Solutions.

If you are searching for a fully dedicated apprentice in the Cheshire/Derbyshire and surrounding areas (willing to travel) then look no further, PM me to discuss further,

Forgot to mention I will be willing to work for apprentice wages and pay for my course fees and exams, believe you me I need and want this more than anything.

Thanks Philip

I did a similar thing that you want to do. Only difference I done it for free. Only way I could get a job. My first collage was no help, my second really did help me through. It was a hard slog but worth the effort. Hope you get a job