Possibly just me but i just get really insulted

[chris day]

Hello guys

I have started getting emails from MEN at the age of 30 wanting to be my apprentice, the whole thing is insulting.
im sorry your job in finance did not work out and you think you can be a fully qualified spark in 1 year. it took me 5 years of graft to become a fully served spark in 2011 man and boy.

Is this a new phenomenon?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Yes Lee that is why, bit intense for me and TBH finding it not that easy. Got the niceic igem books, how are you getting on with it.? Thanx

I'm sure you'll be fine mate. I haven't touched it in ages as been so busy with work....Doesn't look like it will let up any time soon either as seem to be winning everything coming my way.

 

[chris day]

Sorry Chris I'm not sure what your problem is.
Someone asks you if you are taking on apprentices and you're insulted by this?
Did the person say he expected it to take 1 year? if so you just need to explain the reality of the situation to him.

I suppose without looking into their personal circumstances i feel a bit insulted because they view a trade as dirty seconds, and they are going on courses with private companies which have all been turned into tick boxes in exams which cheapens the trade.
I think i am being a bit precious about the whole thing upon reflection but just wanted opinions i suppose to see how irrational or not i am being

 

[andyb]

My problem is that these people go on a course that gets them qualified in a few months

That's not an apprenticeship though. Do you mean you've had 5WWs asking to be employed as an electrician?

 

[chris day]

That's not an apprenticeship though. Do you mean you've had 5WWs asking to be employed as an electrician?

I just keep being asked by people who are doing intensive 5 month courses

 

[DavidSpark]

I'm not sure why you'd take insult from it. These people are trying to make a career change and are doing it out their own pockets. It might not be the most ideal way of doing it but there is really no other way. The positive from that is at least they are trying to gain practical experience by working with and being mentored by someone who has been in the game for many years, as opposed to doing the 5 month course and then getting out on the streets as an "electrician".

 

[DPG]

Hello guys

I have started getting emails from MEN at the age of 30 wanting to be my apprentice, the whole thing is insulting.
im sorry your job in finance did not work out and you think you can be a fully qualified spark in 1 year. it took me 5 years of graft to become a fully served spark in 2011 man and boy.QUOTE]

I'm glad I'm not your apprentice - you seem to have a bit of an attitude problem judging by your post. Mind you, I'm over 40 so you'd be VERY insulted by me I expect.

 

[FatAlan]

The problem with the Electrical Trainee is that a lot of those guys may not have a lot of choice or may even have been conned into doing them with false expectations. You just have to see the posts on here.
It’s extremely patronising and insulting. This is a complex trade that like most careers requires the accumulation of experience. I get the impression that the main issue is that a lot of experienced time served sparks are feeling threatened by the popularity of their trade and those that are falling over themselves to get experience. Take a look at yourselves and your business and decide where you want to be. One of these budding old apprentices might for instance have a diary full of contacts and future business. I’d be taking advantage if there are guys out there willing to work for nothing. Yes, there’ll be the odd numpty but I’ve come across plenty of qualified idiots who I won’t use again. Supply and demand! Natural market forces apply whether you like it or not. I’d rather employ an approved Electrical Trainee who knew the regs and did the job correctly than a cynical old JIB registered has been who took the p***

 

[simon bartlett]

God forbid someone wanting to change careers. 30 years old ? why doesn't he just give up and find a hole to die in eh?

 

[simon bartlett]

Adults new to the trade wanting to join a cps scheme are required to complete a portfolio which typically requires 12 -24 months working for a skilled electrician. I see no issue with it if people are aware of their limitations. There are good experiences electricians and crappy experienced electricians .

 

[Christo]

Hello guys

I have started getting emails from MEN at the age of 30 wanting to be my apprentice, the whole thing is insulting.
im sorry your job in finance did not work out and you think you can be a fully qualified spark in 1 year. it took me 5 years of graft to become a fully served spark in 2011 man and boy.

Is this a new phenomenon?

Get over yourself

 

[TeeCee]

Making statements like the OP - and I understand they have their reasons - is nevertheless somewhat ignorant of certain realities and situations.

I'd say there are / will be a number of people (not just men) in their 30's (and older) going down this road. More power to them, I say.

When these people were children and teenagers, the educational system had been politically skewed towards churning out service industry fodder. The spotlight was very much moved away from traditional occupations, to the detriment of all concerned. This generated a swathes young people being prepared for an economy that did not eventually deliver as politically expected, certainly post-2008.

Although originally unveiled in 1993, The 'Modern Apprenticeship' was not effectively introduced until 1995-96, with steady growth from that point on. So, someone leaving school at that point was channelled into either A Levels or perhaps a BTEC / GNVQ. So these thirty-somethings probably never got an adequate opportunity to explore more traditional crafts - only garnering a flavour later in life. I'm not saying cry for them, but there's no need to look disdainfully.

But enough of the history lessons. I have a slight suspicion that the OP might have been pretendng to live under a bridge. If so, I'm sure they're quite pleased.

 

[sparksburnout]

It's not always the young persons fault. They have had it drilled into them by Tony Bliar and Co. that the only thing worth doing is to go to University and get a useless degree in an xxxxxology. Trades are regarded by a lot as some sort of poor alternative.

 

[Pastyspark]

From my experience a mature apprentice is a lot more enthusiastic to learn. Unfortunately you have to pay them more per hour, but once they've got enough experience to work on their own you can book them out at a higher rate.
Ive had builders moan about leaving younger apprentices in site compared to older lads even with the same experience.
I do agree that the Electrical Trainee shouldn't get full rate from qualifying. They need the experience as well as the qualifications to be sparks.

 

[sparksburnout]

Adults new to the trade wanting to join a cps scheme are required to complete a portfolio which typically requires 12 -24 months working for a skilled electrician. I see no issue with it if people are aware of their limitations. There are good experiences electricians and crappy experienced electricians .

Just out of interest Simon have the rules changed recently then? I thought they only checked qualifications and then did an assessment.

 

[telectrix]

and make sure that your cheque clears.