Apprentices lack inspiration
Feb 08 2012
Apprentices are liable to switch off if not given a wide range of tasks
Young apprentices are dropping out of training because employers are not providing a sufficiently-rounded programme to inspire their interest, a prominent manufacturer warns.
John Nollett, managing director of steering system company Pailton Engineering, says that bored teenagers are switching off because they are not challenged enough by dull work.
Nationally, nearly a quarter of all apprentices (23.6 per cent) failed to stay the course in 2010-11, according to figures recently released by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Nollett, who has been running an apprenticeship scheme for more than 17 years adds, ‘Some employers are letting teenagers down by taking them on as apprentices and then failing to provide them with stimulating challenges.
‘Leaving someone to languish in one corner of the workshop because they seem to be coping with the tasks is selling them short. They could turn out to be absolutely fantastic at another operation on the shopfloor – and without trying, they might not even know!’
Nollett is in favour of giving apprentices a wide range of tasks to give them insight into the business, keep them interested and uncover hidden talents.
He adds that despite their bad press, there are thousands of talented, hard-working, dedicated and loyal teenagers out there ‘wanting to make their way in the world’.
‘Investing properly in apprentices – both in time and money – is well worth it. We have always understood that our people are the lifeblood of our company and we have taken care to nurture apprentices and grow our own talent.’
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