Apprenticeships - DS wants to change!

[Jogrighton]

Hi All,

Ds did level 2 mechanics last year and has managed to get an apprenticeship with a garage this year. To say I'm proud is an understatement and relieved as I thought he'd started his path to his future.

However, now he is telling me he hates it! It's not what he thought it was etc and wants to change to something else

I feel anxious, worried and stressed. As with every parent I just want him to gain independence but be happy doing it!!

Has anyone had any experience of this?

Thanks in advance

How old is he and what does he want to do instead?

What does he want to change to? Will it be another apprenticeship or is he expecting you to pay for his keep? Why does he suddenly hated it having already studied it for a year maybe 2?

What about it is not what he expected?

People do change apprenticeships, but he needs to be clear about what’s wrong with the current one and what he wants to do instead. The right employer makes a great deal of difference, but it has to be said that starting out in any workplace can be difficult for some young people. They are expected to comply with all the rules, and are not yet skilled enough for more interesting tasks or independent work. He can’t be far into it at this stage. You need to start out with a serious conversation about this.

Thanks for the replies.

He is 18 in March.

I think he's bored. I've told him to ask all the questions and look interested as people are willing to teach then. But it's like hitting a brick wall. Unfortunately, the older apprentices there have slated it and said the college is rubbish, so tarnished his views, he isn't the most mature kid (think impressionable, stroppy and stubborn) however he really has matured in the last few months.

I personally dont think he really wanted to be a mechanic in the first place, he just doesn't know!

He is talking about carpentry now!

Me and his dad have asked him to give it longer but he just doesn't entertain it.

And if I'm honest I didn't have a clue at his age either, bumbled along initially until I grew up and realised.

Carpenters generally have a decent experience - but colleges/apprenticeships have really struggled through Covid. I’ve worked in the sector for the last 8 years, feel free to PM me, if I can give you any advice, I would be happy to.

Thanks borntobe.

His dad works in construction himself and used to work with apprentices as an assessor, so knows quite a bit. Im not with his dad and have an okish relationship, just wanted to see if there were any parents experiencing the same.

I think he has been really lucky to get this apprenticeship and we don't want him to waste it but also want him to be happy doing what he's doing.

I think I would ask him to stick at it until he has secured another apprenticeship. Seems like the logical thing to do - giving up with nothing to do instead would look terrible on his CV.