To let 17yo DS quit college for a f/t job?

[PoliteSquid]

My DS hated school, hates college and has no intention of carrying on with any kind of study. Although he’s only 17 and could decide differently in a few years.

He has been searching for an apprenticeship, head firmly in the sand about the 1 day a week of college/uni work!

This morning he has been offered a full time trainee role in an engineering company. It’s not an apprenticeship, it’s in house training. Well established company 2 big sites fairly local. It’s full NMW even tho he’s so young.

DH thinks he should stay at college as there’s only 4 months to go. DS wants to leave college immediately. I can see both sides but erring towards DS’s view. AIBU to let him take the job?

Take the job.

Job

Definitely take the job

Another one for take the job .
Further education isn't for everyone.

Take the job. In 4/5 years time he will be fully trained earning decent money. He obviously wants to work so let him.

Let him take the job. Whether to study or work post 16 really has to be the choice of the young person in my opinion. If you try to force him to stay at college, he could do poorly and then not get the same opportunity again.

Take the job i know your husband might want him to stick at "something" but what an opportinity for your son, formal education really isn't for everybody.

Absolutely take the job.

Another vote for take the job. He can return to studying if and when it’s something he really wants to do.

I had the same dilemma when DD was that age, she wanted to leave college and had a full time job to go to as a TA. It was the best move I think she ever made, she is now a fully qualified teacher (which involved going back to further education but by that time she had an end goal in sight and did well in her degree). I would support his move, I hope it goes well for him.

What's he studying at college?

What are the likely outcomes of college?

Being on track for straight As in science-based A-level subjects is different from looking at scraping a pass on a media studies BTEC, for example.

Overall, though, I vote job.

As he's under 18 & it's not an apprenticeship is he legally allowed to be 'out of education'?
It's not something I've needed to look into so I'm not sure what the law is.

Would the company keep the offer open until he turns 18? Or take him in part time to enable him to be at college often enough to complete the academic year?

if he can legally leave college & work now (but I don't think he can???) I don't see how you can stop him, but I would be supportive.

its not like he just wants to Jay around jn hus isn't smoking weed is it.

WHY does your DH think DS should just stay at colllege? Thus seems like a fantastic opportunity (if it's legally allowed. If it's not legally allowed, I'd be worried about the company offering the option).

If he hates college it seems a pity to loose out on a decent job he really wants to do. If you make him complete the college course he'll probably not do much there out of resentment and if nothing similar to this job comes up later, in his eyes you will be forever to blame for a missed opportunity. On the other hand, if he chooses the job himself and it doesn't work out, it is a little fe learning experience he chose and he is still young enough to return to college if he wants to.
I can also see your Dh's point if a few months more would gain him a qualification? Would they keep the job open for him with a definite written offer until he finishes the course? If not, on balance I would go for the job. From past experience, nothing useful comes of making adolescent boys follow paths they aren't up for. 💐

Job.

How full-time is college?
Is it relevant to the job?

If he is only in college 2/3 days a week I'd be tempted to ask could he work part-time and college part-time until college finishes.

Or ask college could he convert to night school or something.

But I wouldn't get the job go in favour of college with no guarantees at the end of it.

Bite their hand off for the job.

Job

It sounds like there will be in house training which will count as education, there will be a certificate and qualification at the end of it, my nephew did something similar under 18

If he has ok GCSEs, definitely take the job. A hands on job with scope for internal training and progression is rare to find these days. Apprenticeships or qualifications can be done later if he wanted to.

Take the job, 100%

My DD was similar with school and sixth form, hated all of it. She left 6th form with no A levels or BTecs .. complete waste of two years. She was like a different person with her first job, up and out, punctual, loved it, great work ethic (which I had been worried about), and never looked back.

I understand why your h thinks that he should stick it out for 4 months to complete whatever qualification he’s doing now.

I would pick the job option as he’s an adult. Forcing him to stay in college could result in him doing something stupid like tanking the current qualification or getting expelled from college on purpose so that he can get his way and say FU to his dad.

This is the perfect age to try different courses (financially, practically and academically)

Let him take the job

Job

And nobody is chasing up that age group about attendance ... except the sixth form or college, the authorities don't care. My DD barely went and nobody contacted us.

100% take the job