Guest 1154- Registered: 3 Jan 2014
- Posts: 8
#1
I thought I might have a go at taking on an apprentice, thought it might be good to give a young person a chance to learn a trade, so off to the job center I went, I explained to the security person what I had come about, he said he did not have a clue how I go about it but told me to join the others waiting in line, finally it was my turn, I explained to the lady at the desk that I wanted to find out about taking on an apprentice, she did not know anything about how to do it either but called a manager to assist me, when the manager came, I once again explained I wanted to take on an apprentice and what did I need to do to find a suitable candidate, the manager said she needed to take some detail, how many weeks holiday a year am I willing to offer was the first question I was asked, would I be willing to pay above the minimum wage was the next question, followed by how much sick benefit would I be giving, before they had a chance to ask me any more questions, stop, I said, I give in, forget it I said, I wont bother you again, I can see the candidate would never be at work, so I might as well not bother, and they say no one gives our youngsters a chance, I wonder why
jbb
Guest 745- Registered: 27 Mar 2012
- Posts: 3,370
#2
If you went to one of the Tec colleges thing would be more geared up to it ,
you can get an employment grant.
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#3
good advice keith b
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Guest 667- Registered: 6 Apr 2008
- Posts: 919
#4
John I know Canterbury Tech are very good at helping firms to take on an apprentice. They will come to you and talk things through to find out what you want and inform you what they do and often they will help in your selection of the apprentice.. What is important is that they follow it up once you have an apprentice by calling in a few times a year to make sure the apprentice and you are getting it right.
Do not give up John there are a lot of good youngsters out there that just need a chance.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#5
Harry is right and you would also get the person right from the start the job centres are run very bad now must say I do not think it is the staff at that centre,it needs to go back to how it was run when it was all done by a one to one meeting etc then move on from there to the companys.The way it is done at this times is bad for both the person looking for work and a company who are looking for staff ,I might be wrong as I have never used a job centre only when I needed to get help for staff to help me when I was working on the ships,but is it not the doll office to,?if it is I think the to should be apart from each other giving the staff more time with each person and that needs to be in a office on its own not in a room full with others waiting their turn.
Paul Watkins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 9 Nov 2011
- Posts: 2,226
#6
DDC currently have about 8 apprentices I believe. They are put into the system by Canterbury College, who effectively vet them for you and try to match up their skills. Harry has got it right.
Watty
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#7
Some years ago I tried to hire bar staff through the jobcentre. 30 applications, only 6 of which even came close to meeting the experience criteria. 2 selected for interview. One didn't show. The other one turned up and said, 'I am not interested in the job, please sign this to say I turned up for interview so they don't stop my job seekers allowance.'
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#8
John.
Harry has given you some good advice and I echo all who say do not give up.
There is help out there and there is loads of very good youth who will jump at the opportunity you are offering them.
If people want to know why so many youth are apathetic towards work these days then your experience at the jobcentre is one of the main reasons.
Having similar experiences at Dover JC myself, I can say first hand that it is a totally demoralizing experience, dished out by totally inexperienced uncaring staff.
Having said that, it may well not be their fault though, as they are probably so demoralized themselves, at not being able to do a good and proper job because of stupid rules, regs & red tape.
When the Deal Office was open it was a pleasurable experience, with friendly, happy, helpful staff, why has that changed?
Getting help for our youth, to get into employment, must be a top priority.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 716- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 4,010
#9
Don`t give up john you may be giving one person the foundation to a wonderful career.
It happened for many of us .....good luck.
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
#10
Peter, if you do not have the right skills for the jobs currently on offer you are still expected to apply for ANY job advertised or risk losing your benefits. therefore, in theory I am expected to apply for the post of managing director, nurse, engineer, you get my drift. It's not the person applying for unsuitable jobs at fault, it's the system.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#11
The chap in question was well qualified. He had a personal licence and had run a pub himself.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 673- Registered: 16 Jun 2008
- Posts: 1,388
#12
My wife has taken on an apprentice in her shop and is very pleased with her.
The young lady concerned is overjoyed to have a job and is putting her heart and soul into it.
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
#13
So pleased your wife has been able to offer training and has found such a good candidate. I am positive that there are many more people who would love such an oppurtunity. We have to use social media to advertise more.
Guest 673- Registered: 16 Jun 2008
- Posts: 1,388
#14
Agree Lesley, and talking of which here is one of the seven second Facebook videos which Dover comedian Arron Crascall has been making around Dover.
Seen here in my wife's fashion shop pretending to try on a dress with her apprentice Amber assisting!
Click on this Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=484438848334258&set=vb.442299909214819&type=2&theater
