What to expect from a apprentice

[sparkstu]

Hi all, got an apprentice now since I have taken over from the previous electrician his 3 months in to his time and due to start college in September. What would you expect him to be able to do and what sort of things would you allow him to do. He is my first apprentice so not to sure what to expect thanks stu

 

[Sintra]

If the guy is only 3 months in then I would be expecting him to be your shadow. You should be showing and explaining to him what you are doing and why you are doing it and what tools etc. you are using. At this early stage in his learning I wouldn't be expecting him to be doing anything other than watching and passing tools etc.

 

[malcolmsanford]

• Know where the nearest cafe is or if not be prepared to know where to get rolls
• Remember the sparks is always right
• Know your particular brand of tabs (For smoking sparks)
• Remember the sparks is always right
• Know how to wield a mean broom
• Remember the sparks is always right
• Know that a Monday is a day of quiet reflection
• Remember the sparks is always right
• Friday is the day to get a move on when clearing up
• Remember the sparks is always right
• How to work out a yankee accumulator
• Remember the sparks is always right
• Be able to manage 2 pints, 2 packets of crisps and several newspapers with no slips
• Remember the sparks is always right
• Forget the use of the texting finger
• Remember the sparks is always right
• Have a mental ist of all the tools, know exactly where they go, how they go in the box

Did I mention the bit about the sparks being always right

 

[sparkstu]

Thanks malcomsanford im glad you put that in at the end as I couldn't see it in any of your points. He is on the right lines with shadowing and asking questions. His favourite question is why do I have to do the chasing though. His already learnt the phone rule and not being on it to his misses he learnt that the first week especially when I told him once and then caught him a 3rd time he didn't have his phone for the rest of the day it magically disappeared into the loft. Maybe a bit harsh but he soon learnt to leave it in the van until brake times

 

[davesparks]

He is on the right lines with shadowing and asking questions. His favourite question is why do I have to do the chasing though.

It is a very good question, why does he have to do the chasing?

 

[telectrix]

It is a very good question, why does he have to do the chasing?

obvious. he needs to b uild up his biceps for the time he's let loose with 25mm galv. conduit and a hilmor.

 

[Farmelectrics]

he might have an app on his phone that chases out for you

 

[sparkstu]

Everyone has to start somewhere same place I started was given a chasing hammer and was told this will be your best friend for the next 3 years. He don't have to do it all and just as tel said he needs to build his biceps up was struggling with a drum of 10mm t+e the other day

 

[davesparks]

I'm glad I wasn't your apprentice then!

When I was an apprentice my mentor did the bulk of the chasing while I got on with the actual electrical work.

 

[sparkstu]

3 years of chasing done me the world of good I'm sure. He ain't got it as bad as what I had it like I said I do chase with him.

 

[7029 dave]

Make the tea, all the donkey work, carry the tools, sweep out the loft an sheet up. Its all part of it, well it was, maybe an easier life for an apprentice today.?

 

[davesparks]

Thankfully my mentor took the attitude that I was being paid to learn the trade, not be his bitch

 

[7029 dave]

Thankfully my mentor took the attitude that I was being paid to learn the trade, not be his bitch

No, just different generation, times have changed for the worst in some aspects.!!

 

[dansk]

My 18 yr son is 3 months in also and starting college in September - he doesnt work with me - tried that we nearly killed each other - i ask what he's been doing, its all simple stuff, first fixing, capping cables, second fix socket outlets - they been working nights in supermarkets changing over to LED and he makes up the drivers.

Dont ask me the in's and outs because getting the above info is like getting blood from a stone!

 

[sparkstu]

I'm getting mine to do same sort of stuff with a careful eye. I've only had him for 3 weeks so it's watching him telling him how I wont things done and y I won't them done in a certain way.