01/07/2026
Weve been quiet on the socials lots going on and behind the scenes but I wanted to spread a little information about apprentices and the struggles they have even after being qualified.
Have a read and tell me what you guys think in the comments below and also what our other trades feeling and battling with?
Nobody starts out as a great tradesperson.
Every skilled carpenter, plumber, electrician, kitchen fitter, bricklayer, plasterer or handyman was once the apprentice who cut something wrong, drilled in the wrong place, or made a mistake that had to be put right.
Yet today we expect young people to leave school and somehow become perfect overnight.
The reality is, they need someone willing to teach them. They need patience. They need guidance. Most importantly, they need someone who believes in them.
Taking on an apprentice or young worker isn't easy.
As business owners, we're already dealing with rising wages, insurance, fuel, materials, overheads and the ever-increasing cost of living. Training someone means jobs take longer, mistakes cost money, and productivity drops while they're learning.
Then there's the challenge for the apprentice themselves.
If you're under 21, getting insured on a works van can be difficult and expensive. Tool insurance costs more. Starting your own business is almost impossible without thousands of pounds worth of tools, a van, customers and experience. So how are they supposed to build a future if nobody gives them that first opportunity?
Instead of criticising young tradespeople when something isn't perfect, maybe we should remember that every mistake is part of becoming skilled. Nobody learned a trade without making them.
If we want the next generation of quality tradespeople, we have to invest our time, knowledge and patience now how can we achieve this when in today's society we expect perfecting first time. How can young apprentices gain the knowledge and experience without making mistakes?
After all these hurdles that business owners face and young workers, at the end of it all the 3 years nobody wants to insure anyone under the age of 21 without ridiculously high premiums.. I think this is just crazy?
Leave your comments it would be great to see and hear from the trades aswell! What is everyone doing to combat these issues because its a big problem across the board
