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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think this is a bit much for a 16 year old

48 replies

Catvsworld · 16/05/2016 08:14

My son has been applying for apprenticeships and he recently got a face to face interview

My family are delighted however they were shocked to find out he has two more stages after this after already complteing 3 stages before hand

On line application
IQ test on line
On line interview
Assment day
Then the face to face interview this is were he's up to
Then an skills week (residential )
Then if he gets it he has to pass his driving test with in one year or joining
Tbh I think it its a lot even for a adult and I am not also trying to get GCSEs done

It did make me think for everyone's reaction it's quite a lot or Aibu any recruiters mums out there oh is a manger has to hire people says this is a bit exssive

OP posts:

Flisspaps · 16/05/2016 08:16

What's the appenticeship for? If there's a strong possibility of a good job at the end that requires a driving licence and a high skill level, I can see why the tests are so heavy.

Original poster

Catvsworld · 16/05/2016 08:19

I don't want to say to much but in engereeing

My lads fairly bright and personable and I am so proud he's gotten this far to be honest but it seems like a lot I think the may should of waited till after there two week exam window maybe or done all this before if they had to
Do all this that would of taken the sting out of it I think

OP posts:

MrsJayy · 16/05/2016 08:21

Seems extensive but if he is going to get a career out of it then its going to be worth it, My cousins son had a few stages to get an electrician M A.

tobysmum77 · 16/05/2016 08:21

I think that you don't have to start apprenticeships at 16 and that it sounds like a really competitive one.

SomedayMyPrinceWillCome · 16/05/2016 08:21

Is the "skills week" part of the application process or training once he has the apprenticeship? Will he get paid for that week?

HermioneJeanGranger · 16/05/2016 08:23

It seems a lot but he'll get a great, secure job at the end, so I can see why they would want to make sure the candidate is determined and dedicated.

Marynary · 16/05/2016 08:23

I can see why they want to do a lot of tests if he hasn't got his GCSEs yet as they need to assess his intelligence etc as obviously there will be very wide variation in ability among those without qualifications.

I agree that it is a bad time for a residential though. The thoughtlessness of the timing would make me think that they may not be good employers to be honest.

Original poster

Catvsworld · 16/05/2016 08:24

No the skills week is part of the application process

They don't get paid but all expenses are paid for I think it's more like a outward bound week to see there personalities and how they work in a team and the dynamic who's bossy who's shy that sort of thing problem solving ect

OP posts:

crazywriter · 16/05/2016 08:25

Not too surprising if it's in engineering. Depending on the area, this is a high skill job. And expecting him to pass his test within a year of getting the job isn't unreasonable if the job is going to require driving. Can't expect others to do all the driving.

Original poster

Catvsworld · 16/05/2016 08:26

poster Marynary Sadly it's not just them all employers are doing there interviews now also the collages witch has socked me the most they clearly no when 16 yer old are sitting exams I am not understand why the heads are not taking this issue up with post 16 training providers tbh

It's hard enough and it's only two sodding weeks

OP posts:

puddlejumpingqueen · 16/05/2016 08:26

Pretty normal for a lot of graduate type schemes. I know it's not exactly the same thing but they both tend to lead to a professional qualification so I'd say it was ok.

MrsJayy · 16/05/2016 08:27

Has he started his exams yet ?

MeMySonAndl · 16/05/2016 08:27

If there is a job at the end of it, it is NOT much at all. Bear in mind they would be training him, so they have to check whether he is a good learner at the same time as his maturity to do his work responsibly.

If they are paying the residential week, that's ok. If they are not... They wouldn't look like a good employer to work for in the middle long term, do them?

corythatwas · 16/05/2016 08:28

is the residential week actually during his exams?

hellsbells99 · 16/05/2016 08:30

But passing his driving test within 1 year of joining could be difficult depending on when he turns 17! But otherwise I can understand all the interview process, except the timing.

HandsomeGroomGiveHerRoom · 16/05/2016 08:33

I'm involved in recruiting apprentices, and although the posts are open to 16yos most of the applicants are a little older. I agree it's intense, but your ds is right at the lowest end of the age range. He's done brilliantly to get this far

MattDillonsPants · 16/05/2016 08:37

YABU.

GnomeDePlume · 16/05/2016 08:38

It is no different from an application for the Army at the same age.

Your DS has done very well to get this far.

itmustbemyage · 16/05/2016 08:41

My son started an an engineering apprenticeship last year just before his 16th birthday. He had similar to your son up to the stage your son is at, he had a second face to face interview as well . No residential requirement nor driving test requirement ( he wouldn't be old enough anyway) I know that modern apprenticeships are very competitive and cost the companies a lot of money so I guess they can insist on any reasonable conditions they wish. I think the engineering world of work is very hard for 16 year olds ( it was my sons choice to leave school I wanted him to stay on). Your son will have to be prepared for workshop 'banter' and it is a very physical job.

YorkieDorkie · 16/05/2016 08:53

It makes a bit of a mockery of GCSEs to say that employers/colleges still want all of this before they'll accept him!
I hate that when I go for a teaching job I have to demonstrate my teaching. Why? I am qualified, have experience like in any other job sector... Does a nurse have to demonstrate some nursing before they'll be employed?

SouthDownsSunshine · 16/05/2016 08:54

What level will the apprenticeship be at? An apprenticeship can be a multi-year commitment, resulting in a significant level of qualification.

Other than the residential week, this all seems reasonable.

t4gnut · 16/05/2016 08:56

Depends what the job is for. Nearby we have a company that supplies highly technical electronics for the defence industry that takes on apprentices - they get put through a much more rigorous process than a small building firm.

Thudercatsrule · 16/05/2016 08:58

Totally depends on the actual role. Companies can't just rely on GCSE/exam results, you could get all A's, top of the class etc and still not be right for the role, everything can't been assessed through an exam.

cdtaylornats · 16/05/2016 09:00

Air Traffic Controller candidates have online tests, a two day interview with practicals, then training for about 3 years, that's 1 year at the college and 2 s trainees at a unit. Plus a health check every year.

NoahVale · 16/05/2016 09:02

perhaps they have had their fingers burnt in the past.
how will he manage to pass his driving within a year. he is not yet 17.

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