Hi,
Our son (17), finished his GCSE's and did a plumbing course which he passed this June. The next step was to find an apprenticeship, but we really struggled with this, despite asking loads of places.
Our son works in a coffee shop part-time, and at the moment this is what he is doing. He is also spending a lot of time going out with friends, sometimes staying out really late at night. We are not happy with this and have been giving him times to be home by.
We keep asking him what his plans are and what he wants to do with regards to his education or working. He has tried applying for full time jobs, but has been turned down literally everywhere, so he is working at the coffee shop for now, which he really hates. Also it's not the application that is poor as I have been helping with applying.
He is a bright boy, and is really capable. I'm really frustrated as I know he is really capable, and if he was to continue his study then he could end up qualified and in a skilled job, with a really good income.
He will only get free education until he is 19, then he would have to pay to do a college course, so I really feel that time is of the essence here. He just keeps saying he doesn't know what he wants to do. He won't engage.
He recently had his head turned by a girl, and it ended badly. That was several months ago now though, and I feel he really needs to think about himself and his future.
Any help?