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"