So where do we find good apprentices for our businesses?

A video company I work with very much plays their part in apprenticeships and work experience. They cover dance schools, private and state schools’ dramas, dance, shows, and then corporate work, too. Even having previously set expectations with the school, they have found that the kids expect to turn up on day one on work experience, be handed a £10k HD camera and send a mission in darkest Surrey with the message ‘Go on my son, fill yer boots!’

The most recent young man on a two week work experience to find out about the big wide world turned up on day one and his answer to the first question, ‘Hello, how are you?’ was  ‘Tired’.

Are teachers out of touch, so over worked and having to be so political and watchful over success statistics? Are they so engrossed in keeping kids occupied and interested in anything at all so they stay the school day that they cannot coach them the basics of work experience? Should parents be interested in coaching their kids on how to get the best from a work experience and creating a good impresssion? Can parents coach their kids anymore?

I’m erring on the side of caution…if they cannot manage work experience, show some interest, consider that if they’re good, they may get employed, why should I risk my business to complete indifference? Is it for me to teach these kids values? (That’s not rhetorical, it’s a serious question!)

See next blog . ‘The Apprentice 3′ for a true story …..