Taking on an apprentice

[geordie]

Looking to take on an apprentice. Anyone got any tips on what to look for. Going to give the person a trial run and see how they get on.

 

[Ponty Massive]

This is something we are also looking into. Is there any funding or help available from the goverment?

 

[kingeri]

Try your local college, they will likely have plenty of candidates!

 

[telectrix]

used to be a scheme by JCP for anyone over 6 months on dole, you as an employer get £60 a week off JCP to subsidise their wages , for a set number of weeks. don't know if it's still running.

 

[alarm man]

Looking to take on an apprentice. Anyone got any tips on what to look for. Going to give the person a trial run and see how they get on.

take on a 16 yr old kid from school who WANTS to be a spark he wont have a family and kids to support and wont expect 50 k in the first year,no doubt there will be funding..id speak to the training centres and jtl etc

 

[Welchyboy]

I have been looking at this too, I have come to the conclusion I'm going to try someone whose got a little experience of tools etc hopefully around 20 years old and drives then I can mould them a bit, with a 16 yr old apprentice the h&s you have to undertake is silly especially if you go through it with the Jtl
I advertised on the job centre for a trainee and got around 120 cv's the ads only been in there about a week!!
I was thinking around £50 per day 4 days per week what you reckon?
I have a short list and got the first interview on Monday

Things must be picking up a bit for others too now!

 

[i=p/u]

theres a scheme here where if on the dole you get 80 quid subsidy in their wages. you can also keep them on 30hrs per week and if over 25 they can claim tax credits.

does your insurance guys cover another worker??

if your self employed how do take on an apprentice? isit paye? how you put this in place? is is it hassel.

id love to take on apprentice but cant see how it would work? cause i dont know how it works.

and i could probably handle £100 a week max, meaning he'd get his wages every friday

 

[needasparks]

I've had a few over the years and tried all ages, best in my opinion is a 16yr old as they are more likely to stay with you and can be moulded to the way you want things done and all the college is paid for by the goverment. whoever you choose dont bank on getting any payback workwise for a couple of years so it has to be a long term plan you have in doing this.
I did try older people in the past thinking they would be better and not as kid like in there thinking, big mistake. They do the same silly things, cost more in wages (min wage kicks in), you don't get help unless they have been on the dole for 6 months and they will leave you sooner than you think because they are using you.

 

[Octopus]

What a refreshingly positive thread.

At least 3 here looking to take on and train youngsters - good on you for doing this.

 

[Welchyboy]

I've had a few over the years and tried all ages, best in my opinion is a 16yr old as they are more likely to stay with you and can be moulded to the way you want things done and all the college is paid for by the goverment. whoever you choose dont bank on getting any payback workwise for a couple of years so it has to be a long term plan you have in doing this.
I did try older people in the past thinking they would be better and not as kid like in there thinking, big mistake. They do the same silly things, cost more in wages (min wage kicks in), you don't get help unless they have been on the dole for 6 months and they will leave you sooner than you think because they are using you.

I have thought this may be the case, i took on a bloke a little while back he had done a few years at college and had done a few jobs, he called himself an electrician and said he was getting a day rate of £130 a day on agencies so I agreed to this for a few jobs and he was totally useless, work standards were terrible even on basic jobs and when I got rid of him I was still finding his bodges a month later!
It's made me reluctant to take anyone on again now, I would like someone young so you can teach them properly from the start

 

[needasparks]

It is pot luck with youngsters though but you do find out quite early if they are cut out for it, you just have to think back to when you were young. what they lack in any skills normally is made up in effort and IMO thats all that counts.
My last one i had straight from school, that was six years ago and now is a very good sparks.
I picked him above all the letters i got week in and out because he went out of his way by putting cards in wholesalers and everywhere else i went i kept seeing his card. This to me stood out and well deserved a chance. sometimes you just know you have made the right choice.

 

[DurhamSparky]

i currently have an apprentice..

NO FUNDING AVAILABLE!!!!

but he is worth his weight in gold!! recently advanced to changing CU and next step is testing!! only in first year as well!!

 

[needasparks]

Its quite fun letting them do the first cu. theres nothing they can break or that cant be corrected if its done wrong so good to let them just get on with it. I think they learn more on their own doing one than watching a hundred being done.
Must admit I tape up everywhere over the head for them flying cpc's crashing around. lol

 

[baldelectrician]

Mine can do a cu change and test it, he has been with me for over 2 years

When I check it it's neater than mine , and done correctly

I do like watching him work away (after proving dead etc) and popping the megger on insulation at 250v just to see him jump

 

[Welchyboy]

That's really good to hear and encouraging, that's exactly what I want, I have a few to see next week for a chat, I hope one will turn out like the above examples, think I will go for a youngster.

If I can get him putting in cu's after a year or two, neater than me....he may actually earn me a few quid too!

 

[needasparks]

Fingers crossed for you.
despite the theme of lazy youngsters there are still some keen go getters out there. You just have to find one fella.
heaven knows how full your inbox is by now.
Just don't expect much feed back from the first chat but tell them how clean you like your van

Some tips in this thread for any want to be sparks reading. see its not all doom and gloom just go that extra mile to make yourself stand out from the rest. Oh and lastly, please don't get your mum to ring all the companies for you, you would not believe how many do and what does that say about you.

 

[Guest111]

Looking to take on an apprentice. Anyone got any tips on what to look for. Going to give the person a trial run and see how they get on.

try a few simple electrical questions at interview that will give you an idea,anyone wanting to be a sparks should at least have read up on the job.watch out for the college boys though,some of them are terrible,heard some real horror stories,my last lad came to me with an assignment he couldn,t understand,he was a bright kid so it had me puzzled why he was struggling anyway the drawing he was given was completely wrong.turned out the instructor was on long term sick leave and his so called replacement was only level 2 qualified with virtually no experience.Kind of the blind leading the partially sited.

 

[OhmSweetOhm]

When I was in my 2nd year, I was out of work and my college advisor told me that I came with £2000 funding if a company took me on. That narf got me a job quick.

 

[vernam616]

The company i used to work for used to take around 3 on every year, and they always seemed to be lifeless idiots

No motivation, inititive or a brain, had the odd one which you can usually tell on the first day whether or not they will ever be anything

Problem nowadays is they expect it all on a plate for them and think it all comes too easy, when they started working at 16 yr old, they were instantly paid £150 per week !

When i was training it was £30 a week and it sure did make you work hard because you wanted to be taken on after the 2 years and earn some better money.

We had one apprentice who had been with us for around 2 years, constantly on his phone, messing simple things up, best i ever seen was when he was asked to remove a cavity wall box from a brand new wall which hadnt even been plastered, he took a hammer to the wall to remove it !, he was sacked shortly afterwards to no surprise

 

[Farmelectrics]

Is there anyone looking to take an apprentice on in the Merseyside area my nephew is looking to become a sparky like my self and his grandad

 

[geordie]

Meeting with a 16 year old lad next week. Sounds very keen already been offered a place at college

 

[Welchyboy]

Thing is I'm a little concerned if work suddenly dries up and I have to lay him off, especially if he has left employment to come to work for me, to be honest I have been crazy busy so far this year but it may not stay that way!

 

[i=p/u]

its like anyone, could be laid off next week welchy

 

[rugbynick]

we have had quite a few over the years. As long as they are under 19 when they start, all college costs are paid for by training organisation including NVQ3 and £500 contribution towards AM2 test.(JTL) Apprentices do not come under minimum wage and if you pay the JIB rates you are covered. I also pay all their travel expenses so there is no argument about not being able to afford to get to site.

 

[rugbynick]

Make sure they can do the maths required at college. We give them a little test based on transposing formulae etc Y10 school stuff

 

[Johnuk]

i would give him 2 weeks, to see how good he is, then go from there

 

[Welchyboy]

Well it's been 3 weeks so far, he's a good lad keen and tries hard he just seems really slow, about an hour to 2nd fix 3 12v down lighters!
My missis says I should give him a chance as he's only starting out but Im sure I was much faster than that
Its ok at the moment as I'm not under that much pressure but if I am soon it may become a problem

Am I being unreasonable?

 

[StuSpiers]

Well it's been 3 weeks so far, he's a good lad keen and tries hard he just seems really slow, about an hour to 2nd fix 3 12v down lighters!
My missis says I should give him a chance as he's only starting out but Im sure I was much faster than that
Its ok at the moment as I'm not under that much pressure but if I am soon it may become a problem

Am I being unreasonable?

A little I think.

You don't take on an apprentice to help you, you take on an apprentice to help him and teach him your skills, he will not start paying his way until the second year more than likely, and even then can still make plenty of grief for you in the way of cock ups.

If you need labour take on a mate.

 

[Richard Burns]

Give him a chance yet but why not talk to him and express your interest in how he is going about 2nd fixing downlights.
Give him an idea of expected time scales and see if he thinks he would be able to meet these.
If not what problems does he think he will encounter?.
Give him some to practice wiring again and again on on the bench if he is unsure of connections etc.

Continued communication is the key. Need to invest some more time in him!

Good luck

 

[Welchyboy]

Maybe I am being a little demanding lol

 

[baldelectrician]

Try an incentive

Get him to time you doing a certain job

Then time him

Get him to check the work you have done is to the standard you want (it will be) and get him to take a photo for his phone (for his record)

Then time him.
Check, give feedback- penalise him for getting rough, but be more leniant if the job is safe and correct (but slow)

He will build his speed, give him awards (remeber I am Scottish, so I don't like flashing the cash). I usually buy his lunch if he has done well (£3.00- big spender)

he won't become useful until he has more experience

I would take him on this year and start him at college after summer hols in 2013, if he stays this long he will be more mature, be useful and have more confidence
I don't take them on as apprentices until they prove themselves

 

[trev]

The guy I was apprenticed to used to operate a carrot and stick approach to my on site training, the carrot was if I did something right and quickly I'd get a mumbled "Good job". The stick was if I screwed up or was rough I'd get hit by one
Frowned upon these days I believe

 

[tbond29]

If anyone is looking for an experienced individual to take on I am currently enrolled with ATL practical learning center and have a few years experience under my belt with agencys.. The last two electrical companies I worked with went bust in the crisis so I am looking for something more permanent in London area. I have ECS and Lucas as well as a full clean driving license.

- I have experience working on new builds - first fix and second fix with Barrat Homes & KingsOak
- Heathrow - First fx & Second fix
- Amec - JP Morgan Maintenance St Pauls (St Alphage House)
- Crosby Electrical - Temporary power 10kVA (Portacabins temporary power, lighting and fire alarm as well as testing) Heathrow Terminal 12&3 & Battersea Reach
- Power & Lighting Trak - Ernst & Young Boadgate House (Liverpool Street)
- Hounslow Council Housing - First fix & second fix
- Planned Maintenance - Boadicea House Heathrow.. AHU, UFAC units, Termnating fibre optic, fp200, cat5 & swa

I am fast learner with a good head for problem solving analysing a situation and finding the best and quickest solution. Ability to work well as part of a team or autonomously. I can bring a very positive and great dynamic to any team and I'm looking for an employer with a lot knowledge and wealth of experience to offer.

 

[Resu]

I've been an apprentice for four months now I've just turned 20 and start college this August. I'd happily say at this stage that I save my boss half a days work for every day he does (and he would agree!), which I don't think is too bad going. We do mainly house bashing but just completed quite a large commercial premises. He's already had me install a small 4-switch (right term?) fuse board from start to finish after only watching him do a couple. I think being slightly older makes me more mature and more determined, plus I really love everything I've done so far!

 

[tbond29]

I have been working with Esprite doing a retail refit for DKNY Old Bond Street which I came into my own and have had the supervisor pull me to one side and take my number as they wish to work with me on all their London projects.. What a difference a week makes

 

[Dave 85]

People keep asking me why I dont take on an apprentice, as I'm always flat out but it just seems like a whole world of pain for very little gain.

As has been said, yer average lad won't be any use for the first year, some wont be much use ever, and the potential for destruction of peoples property that young inexperienced lads seem to have is huge.

If I was gonna take someone on.....
It'd have to be someone in their 20's or 30's with experience in the building trade, preferably experience doing domestic wiring, qualifications/training optional, someone I knew well and could trust 100% not to steal my work or take the p***, someone with common sense but not expecting too higher wage, willing to be self employed and own/maintain van and tools and someone who accepted the fact there may be weeks where I may have no work for them.

I would happily pay somone with the above criteria £80-£140 a day depending on ability.

I don't expect to be employing someone anytime in the near future, although I do have a mate who is hopefully about to be trained as a spark at night college by the building firm he labours for, who fits most of the above criteria so I am hoping I can pinch him in a few years time.

 

[DurhamSparky]

Apprentice was best thing I ever did!!! Mine is 24 and keen.

Upto speed in nearly 8 months!!

 

[Welchyboy]

People keep asking me why I dont take on an apprentice, as I'm always flat out but it just seems like a whole world of pain for very little gain.

As has been said, yer average lad won't be any use for the first year, some wont be much use ever, and the potential for destruction of peoples property that young inexperienced lads seem to have is huge.

If I was gonna take someone on.....
It'd have to be someone in their 20's or 30's with experience in the building trade, preferably experience doing domestic wiring, qualifications/training optional, someone I knew well and could trust 100% not to steal my work or take the p***, someone with common sense but not expecting too higher wage, willing to be self employed and own/maintain van and tools and someone who accepted the fact there may be weeks where I may have no work for them.

I would happily pay somone with the above criteria £80-£140 a day depending on ability.

I don't expect to be employing someone anytime in the near future, although I do have a mate who is hopefully about to be trained as a spark at night college by the building firm he labours for, who fits most of the above criteria so I am hoping I can pinch him in a few years time.

I allways thought the same mate but so far it's going really well, he is a little slow but very thourough and he only knows the way I teach him which works quite well, I was allways worried about letting a youngster loose in people's houses but you can only go so far worrying and have got to just trust him a little, just make sure you take the time to explain the possible hazards and hopefully he has enough common sense to avoid them

Its taken alot of pressure off me really as he does all the jobs like cleaning up and dragging tools up to the 3rd floor flat etc lol

I hope in a year or two I would be able to leave him for short periods on bigger jobs running cables etc while I do a few smaller jobs elsewhere

I'm trying to invest in the future as I don't want to be up in lofts at 65, but you do need the right person, lots of clowns about!

Like I said above my only concern is that work dries up but Now i think about it i have had this concern since I started working for myself, I just had a sit down with him and explained the situation, he seemed fine and just happy someone was giving him a chance!

 

[dus123]

I've just found this forum and its great, also lets you get out there. For any employers who are intrested in taking on a trainee im looking for on site experience I am a very quick learner and i am very keen to get out there. I live in Dagenham im 19 years old and im currently doing my level 3 in the evenings, Would be willing to work for free just for the experience. Email: [email protected] Mob: 07875762940 thanks for your time.

 

[axel132132]

I heard that there is £1500 for taking on an apprentice i read it somewhere not too sure were but it was last week i read that!

 

[axel132132]

Employer Incentive (AGE 16 to 24) - Apprenticeships