taking on an apprentice

[pcam1984]

Hi,

Just looking for some advice. I have been self employed for nearly 6 months now (sole trader), things have went better than I had expected for a new start up especially where I am based. I have managed to pick up a few contracts that bring in regular work and my phone and email doesn't seem to stop with new enquiries. I am at the stage where I feel I could be doing with some extra help and am trying to find out how complicated taking on an apprentice is, or if I would be better trying to find someone fully qualified.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[sparksburnout]

...This thread got all "boys from the black stuff" very quick...

...I only tuned in,coz i thought someone was having a stand-up bare-fist straightener,with their padowan...:28:

wrong program try again?

 

[Midwest]

well you got one bit right, there are pro's if you are a large unscrupulous supermarket who can use a pool of labour as if they are some sort of disposable commodity, and cons if you happen to be of the labour force on the receiving end. To be honest if you need to google what a zero hours contract is I think I might be wasting my time here. I suppose you imagine Google are another upstanding set of chaps.

I always try to look at both sides of the argument, and whilst I think I'm brilliant, I can't be expected to know about everything. As regarding Google, is there a particular search engine,or other research facility I should use (as it seems The Daily Mail isn't currently popular). The copy of Encyclopedia Britannica I have doesn't seem to cover it?

 

[pcam1984]

Thanks for your input Dave. I'm going to have a look at both options and see what will work best at the moment, I suppose there are lots of pros and cons to both time served and apprentices.

I think it's more the thought that if I take someone on my business decisions not only affect me but someone else, potentially with kids, mortgage etc.

As for the ongoing debate over zero hours contracts, it's not an option that I will be considering. They may work for some people but this surely has to be the minority. If any of you would like to share experience of growing your business or employing staff then feel free to share!

 

[cattle]

What's the incentive Dave??

I took on my youngest son as my apprentice last September, it is a major committment but can also be very rewarding - although it really does take some time before a new apprentice will actually start to make a significant contribution to the work being done. You pay the wages but the training is funded- you pay monthly 'up front' and get lump sums back after 4 months, half way through and on successful completion - as a sole trader [I am too] the incentive payments are higher and you end up 'in pocket' by a small amount. Already my lad is doing some useful bits and pieces [closely supervised of course] and I find you can get more done in a day so it's all good really. :smiley2:

 

[Taylortwocities]

Hello cattle. you must be new around here, so welcome.

But its always worth looking at the date on topics before you reply...
That one is from way back in January, so I expect that any incentive has been spent by now....

 

[Hellmooth]

Hello cattle. you must be new around here, so welcome.

But its always worth looking at the date on topics before you reply...
That one is from way back in January, so I expect that any incentive has been spent by now....

Think you should have another look at date as well Taylor lol, it's from January 2016!