Taking on an apprentice

baldelectrician · Jun 20, 2012

Try an incentive

Get him to time you doing a certain job

Then time him

Get him to check the work you have done is to the standard you want (it will be) and get him to take a photo for his phone (for his record)

Then time him.
Check, give feedback- penalise him for getting rough, but be more leniant if the job is safe and correct (but slow)

He will build his speed, give him awards (remeber I am Scottish, so I don't like flashing the cash). I usually buy his lunch if he has done well (£3.00- big spender)

he won't become useful until he has more experience

I would take him on this year and start him at college after summer hols in 2013, if he stays this long he will be more mature, be useful and have more confidence
I don't take them on as apprentices until they prove themselves

trev · Jun 20, 2012

The guy I was apprenticed to used to operate a carrot and stick approach to my on site training, the carrot was if I did something right and quickly I'd get a mumbled "Good job". The stick was if I screwed up or was rough I'd get hit by one

Frowned upon these days I believe

tbond29 · Jun 20, 2012

If anyone is looking for an experienced individual to take on I am currently enrolled with ATL practical learning center and have a few years experience under my belt with agencys.. The last two electrical companies I worked with went bust in the crisis so I am looking for something more permanent in London area. I have ECS and Lucas as well as a full clean driving license.

- I have experience working on new builds - first fix and second fix with Barrat Homes & KingsOak
- Heathrow - First fx & Second fix
- Amec - JP Morgan Maintenance St Pauls (St Alphage House)
- Crosby Electrical - Temporary power 10kVA (Portacabins temporary power, lighting and fire alarm as well as testing) Heathrow Terminal 12&3 & Battersea Reach
- Power & Lighting Trak - Ernst & Young Boadgate House (Liverpool Street)
- Hounslow Council Housing - First fix & second fix
- Planned Maintenance - Boadicea House Heathrow.. AHU, UFAC units, Termnating fibre optic, fp200, cat5 & swa

I am fast learner with a good head for problem solving analysing a situation and finding the best and quickest solution. Ability to work well as part of a team or autonomously. I can bring a very positive and great dynamic to any team and I'm looking for an employer with a lot knowledge and wealth of experience to offer.

Resu · Jun 27, 2012

I've been an apprentice for four months now I've just turned 20 and start college this August. I'd happily say at this stage that I save my boss half a days work for every day he does (and he would agree!), which I don't think is too bad going. We do mainly house bashing but just completed quite a large commercial premises. He's already had me install a small 4-switch (right term?) fuse board from start to finish after only watching him do a couple. I think being slightly older makes me more mature and more determined, plus I really love everything I've done so far!

tbond29 · Jun 27, 2012

I have been working with Esprite doing a retail refit for DKNY Old Bond Street which I came into my own and have had the supervisor pull me to one side and take my number as they wish to work with me on all their London projects.. What a difference a week makes

Dave 85 · Jun 28, 2012

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.

DurhamSparky · Jun 28, 2012

Apprentice was best thing I ever did!!! Mine is 24 and keen.

Upto speed in nearly 8 months!!

Welchyboy · Jun 28, 2012

Dave 85 said:
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.

I allways thought the same mate but so far it's going really well, he is a little slow but very thourough and he only knows the way I teach him which works quite well, I was allways worried about letting a youngster loose in people's houses but you can only go so far worrying and have got to just trust him a little, just make sure you take the time to explain the possible hazards and hopefully he has enough common sense to avoid them

Its taken alot of pressure off me really as he does all the jobs like cleaning up and dragging tools up to the 3rd floor flat etc lol

I hope in a year or two I would be able to leave him for short periods on bigger jobs running cables etc while I do a few smaller jobs elsewhere

I'm trying to invest in the future as I don't want to be up in lofts at 65, but you do need the right person, lots of clowns about!

Like I said above my only concern is that work dries up but Now i think about it i have had this concern since I started working for myself, I just had a sit down with him and explained the situation, he seemed fine and just happy someone was giving him a chance!

dus123 · Jan 26, 2013

I've just found this forum and its great, also lets you get out there. For any employers who are intrested in taking on a trainee im looking for on site experience I am a very quick learner and i am very keen to get out there. I live in Dagenham im 19 years old and im currently doing my level 3 in the evenings, Would be willing to work for free just for the experience. Email: [email protected] Mob: 07875762940 thanks for your time.