Rod Stewart sez you don’t need an ‘ology’

Anyone worth their salt would use the likes of Rods big firm to get through their apprenticeship, and get some experience and then start picking up their own work.

That though, is part of why apprenticeships aren’t as popular as they used to be with smaller firms. Employers get sick of training up young lads and lasses, only for them to leave and do their own thing.

 

The irony of this fella is he is known in the industry for building his business of the back of employing people who were only trained by British Gas and then offering them very good money to work for him instead of training people himself.

 

Yes, that is a problem mate. I remember at last place I worked we’d a few that dropped out or moved onto something else. It worked for me though and fingers crossed for my lad too. I started a 4 year apprenticeship nearly 45 years ago and am still in the same industry now lol.

 

Would suit me fine lol

 

Wanted to mandate vaccinations as a condition of employment. Typical weirdo.

 

Going into further and higher education is one of the best things I’ve done in my life. From leaving school with no educational qualifications, to working at the coal-face, the confidence and the knowledge (not just in my college learning subjects) I got, helped to stand me in good stead for what lay ahead. The degree verses the apprenticeship debate is as pointless as the Public service worker versus the Private sector worker, both often used to divide rather than make any serious point.

 

The prime reasons for the existence of universities are to research new ideas, systems, understanding and techniques.

They are also vital for the training of doctors, nurses, engineers and scientists. You need to have a huge understanding of the principles and techniques to do these jobs, learning on the job isn't really an option.

Do you need to go to uni to deconstruct 20th century American cinema? No. But if you really want to, should you be able to? Yes.

Does the fact that you can earn more as a tradie than a degree educated librarian matter? Not really, not everyone is driven by money.

Is it a good idea that you can become an apprentice and earn and learn on the job? Yes of course.

 

What is also important is that people who get degree educated don't feel a sense of entitlement to a job that pays well. Compared to someone that does an apprenticeship and learns on the job they are around 5 years behind them and others in the workforce. If you notice on various shows etc they are never just 'unemployed' they are generally an 'unemployed graduate'. Dress things up as you like and each to their own and all that, but not having a job is exactly the same whether you have a degree or not!

 

That's if he had a firm. He was glorified agency who gave out jobs and took a commission, no holiday pay, sick pay and as far as I know, the barest minimum of workers rights. He fought through the courts to preserve his lovely cash cow at the expense of working people.

 

http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKSC/2018/29.html

 

Exactly mate, my Grandson went to college on one of the new T levels to do electrical instalatiation, Did a 2 yr course came out with level 3 in electrics, can he get an apprenticeship, can he buggery, there isn't any about. Once the course finished that was it, no guidance or anything to put them on the right path to obtaining an apprenticeship. Might have to go back and get more qualifications in electrics at his own expense( his mam and dad's ) that he would probably get while doing a job.

 

I think you have to aim for what career you may wish to follow.
I was different though in that respect. Left at 15. (We were the last of the 4th yr leavers b4 they increased to 5yrs 1972) strong at Maths. which gave me the opportunity to gain a trade. Hadn't a clue what I wanted to do. But just went to several companies looking for work.
Training officer at Elsecar main asked what I fancied doing. What's he mean I thought. Different apprenticeships were mentioned. And Bob's your uncle I chose, and became an electrical engineer. After passing the entrance exam. Spending 6yrs at college. Full time 1st year. Day release rest.
Loved mi job.
Mi oldest wanted to be a joiner. Trained And has reached a high position in the company and doing far better than I could have imagined. With his own team around the country. Much preferring working in the field rather than behind a desk.
My youngest 4 yrs at uni then taking a Yr out going around many countries taking work wherever he could get it. Bar work etc.
But his degree gave him a leg up in his career in media. Companies at one time only looked at graduates from higher social backgrounds, But that changed.
He now Produces. Directs. Films (as in filming) etc. TV programmes. 2/3 running at the mo. And now on his next venture on another programme.
If he is at a loose end between contracts, rare. His degree gave/gives him the opportunity to teach. (Bank) so never out of work.

To say I'm proud of what both have achieved. cannot be overstated.

So all 3 of us got to where we liked In the end. My Mrs as Well. An RGN b4 retiring.

 

Thanks for that, very interesting. It seems he wasn't happy taking 50% of the fee, he also insisted that the worker should buy the materials for the work with his own money and then charge the customer 20% more than the worker paid.
The cheek of the man, he should be regarded as a pariah rather than a TV 'personality'

 

Business is all about mark ups though.

Say I did a job for you and supplied materials. With my trade discount I could buy the gear, add 15% and still save you money on what you would pay for it as a punter.

 

He does and has always employed a significant amount of the workforce used but does also use subcontractors too.
Promises big money to employees who have to work unbelievable hours to achieve it though.
Staff are also bonused based on how much they charge the customer to encourage maximising the costs of call outs.
Sets very high standards of expectations from staff and not afraid to remove quickly if not met.
Perks for employees include free gym, canteen, relaxation/roof top garden area at HO.

 

Joined RN 79 after leaving Wath Comp with not one Olevel. Served 40 years becoming WO1. Pension not bad! It was great and would i do it again? Bloody right i would. Son of a miner but world apart.

 

But how would you feel if you were reimbursed and I added the 15% for my bank account?

 

Should be there for those that want to go - we have some of the best in the world and are training the Dr's, lawyers , teachers etc that we need. We need far more apprenticeships and vocational routes for those that want something different. Not just after school but for those starting GCSE's - remember we had kids going to the tech a few days a week learning trades. Also need better than we had after school which were YT's. Some may have done well but know a lot that didn't

 

I wasn’t talking about working for you on a subcontract basis, so that wouldn’t happen.

I have subcontracted though, and I have supplied materials and included them in my itemised bill. As long as my invoice is paid in full, it’s of no relevance to me what profit the contractor makes. If he wants to add 15%, then that’s up to him. He’s finding the work, organising the jobs and taking the risk. All I do is turn up, do the job and get paid.

As for materials. I did have a disagreement with a company accountant who requested copies of my invoices so they could ‘claim back the VAT’, which is utter bunkum. My invoices are specific to my business, and where I hold trade accounts. They have my name on them, so only I can reclaim the VAT on them.