Re: Apprenticeships
In today's society, my heart goes out to young people who genuinely do want an apprenticeship to learn a trade.
At least once a week we get a phone call from a hopeful and all I can tell them is to send in a CV and, when the time comes for interviews, they'll be contacted.
I've been working for the same electrical contractor for almost 29 years now, and I've seen them come and go. I've seen those who have the wrong attitude, those that are genuine, but most importantly, those who really want a trade as an electrician.
Some are already in College but, when asked if they're on a JIB Electricians' Course and they say no, we can't accept them, and that's not their fault as that's where school careers officers suggest they go on an "electricians' course" which is not good enough for our company but, if they're willing to change, then we know that they're prepared to change.
We've had lads that have been brilliant and have gone on to become lecturers and onto furthering their careers; we have had those who made it through interview to being employed and been a great disappointment.
As AB has said, it could take up to six years to become fully trained, and some don't make the grade, and the employer is funding the apprenticeships.
It's a hard call for employers as well, having paid a lot of money for the apprentices, only for some of them to move on once qualified. However, having said that, over the years, we've had electricians that have stayed with our company for 40+ years, which is a testimony in itself.