#apprentice #wages

[Fennell957]

Hi guys I'm new to this forum so apologies if I'm not posting in the correct area, I guess this comes under general. Basically I'm just after some advice and feedback from other electricians, trainee electricians and employers. I'm just starting my 3rd year at college (level3) 27 years old, have my own van and tools, 75 percent of the time I'm out running jobs on my own and the other 25 percent of the times Im working with other guys from the company. Ive been pretty lucky that my college course has been government funded from the beginning and will be to the end. I get paid 60 for a 9 hour day plus 30 for college days. So generally take home 1100 a month. I'm hoping for a payrise in the new year and the chance to get on the company's books properly so I can get paid holiday. I have suggested to my boss 3rd year apprentice rate of 9 and hour and he's pretty much dismissed it already. What do you guys think ? Get paid ? Pay your employees apprentices ?

 

[Adam]

Doesn't sound like an apprenticeship to me.

During my apprenticeship (15 years ago), I was an employee and entitled to usual employee benefits (holiday pay etc.). I was paid JIB apprentice rates for my grade (although, like you, I was running my own jobs early on. I was only a second year apprentice and let loose on my own).

I was also paid my JIB hourly rate for all hours spent at college.

 

[Adam]

I always look to JIB rates for rates of pay.

At Stage 3 of your apprenticeship, you should be expecting £10.05 per hour (£90.45 / day) if you provide your own transport.

Joint Industry Board

 

[Rampage]

Who pays the tax? You, the employer or no-one?

 

[Rockingit]

Fennel - welcome and hello! Just to #let_you_know that this #isnt_Twitter and you can #leave_the_hashtags_alone!

 

[oldtimer]

I was on SJIB rates as I served my time with Mathew Hall or Holliday Halls as they were known I got day release for college and was put on my own jobs at the start of my third year and still paid 3rd rates as my apprenticeship was 4 years fixed although no complaints as I got a good training and was willing to learn. The only downfall was that I got distinctions for my C&G but could not afford to go for my ONC because unlike the local government, Health,PSA,DOE apprentices I did no get paid for the day off at college.

Also remember Domestic sparking is a lot different from Industrial commercial and it was quite common for apprentices to work on their own at the end of their second year so the question is are you domestic or I&C ? are you doing the same as the tradesmen ?

I must be getting old as I never understand why people supply their own van and testers as years ago it was you and your tools

 

[Fennell957]

My wages go through an agency. I guess im classed as self employed but only work for one company. so yes my tax is paid. I had the choice last year of taking this route so i could earn the money i am now on. Or i could have taken a very small payrise (been on roughly 8-900 a month) and stayed on the books with holiday.

 

[Fennell957]

Thanks for the feedback so far guys its been helpful. In reply to old timers question .. We work in all three areas.. Im most experienced in domestic and smaller commercial places .. Which i can quite happily run jobs on my own (schools, shop refits, and houses) on the indusrial jobs im just more of a helper as ive not had as much experience. I see alot of guys use to get jib rates .. What about now days ? Obviously i know times are a bit harder with the double dip recession. Any employers out there have any views on this?

 

[oldtimer]

My wages go through an agency. I guess im classed as self employed but only work for one company. so yes my tax is paid. I had the choice last year of taking this route so i could earn the money i am now on. Or i could have taken a very small payrise (been on roughly 8-900 a month) and stayed on the books with holiday.

Ok you are not self employed you are PAYE and paid via a agency so first thing first you need to call DSS and ask if there is any breaks in your NI contributions why because you may not be bothered but you need to pay 30 years NI contributions to get a state pension ie things are changing as if you did not have this you would get income support and you were better off well not now so find out and if they say you need to pay us £300 then pay it .
To be classed as self employed you need 3 seperate sources of income why because that way you cannot and should not work for one company as years ago people were saying they were SE or Ltd and then HMRC were losing Employers NI contributions.So HMRC see that is tax evasion.




Remember there is nothing to stop you setting up a business part time as long as you inform HMRC within 3 months and at the end of the tax year you can submit a 3 line account on your tax return ie Gross, Expenses,Profit .

I understand what you are saying but long term agency work is ok when you dont have a job but I take it you want a more stable environment so yep keeping getting experience ,qualifications and more importantly a grade JIB card