Discuss Taking on an apprentice in the Business Related area at ElectriciansForums.net
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.
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.
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.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.
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?
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.
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