Son called to a dud apprenticeship interview. Costs ?

[IChangedMyNameForThisQ]

DS applied for an apprenticeship at business in the next town - 25 minutes by train.

He was called to an interview with 2 and a half hours notice. Which he attended with plenty of time to spare

A few hours later he was told he had not been selected to move forwards. Apparently they were "concerned he may not be able to commute".

DS is extremely good at listening (not sure where he got that from) so I have no doubts that is what was said.

Clearly if this is the truth (?) then the interview was an utter waste of time - he was never going to get the position.

Now personally, I would say this makes the "interview" a consultancy and DS should charge then (say) £70 for his time testing their interview process.

However he would settle for his wasted transport costs.

As you can imagine he is underwhelmed. And because I have previously worked for an apprenticeship provider,I have a feeling the DWP and contract provider could have a role to play ? Either for lying or wasting candidate time.

All advice gratefully received.

I understand it's incredibly disappointing and I'm sorry he's had his hopes dashed but I think you need to let your son learn the lesson that real life can be hard and that the job market is a tough one. You don't get to demand "consultancy fee" ludicrous suggestion btw because you're not happy with the result.

The recruitment person who put him forward for the interview might be a totally different person from the interviewer, so it's not true to say "he was never going to get the job". Maybe the actual manager has been burned before by people not showing up and is therefore more cynical than the HR person who sifts through CVs.

When he got the call, he should have responded that he would be able to commute; here's the various methods he had already scoped out to ensure he can get there every day, on time - travel method A, B, C.
I'd suggest it's still worth him emailing them to say he's interested in the role, thinks he is a good fit following the interview and here are the ways he can get to site. Please keep him in mind if anything goes awry with the first choice candidate.

If he's old enough to be chasing a trade, he's old enough to not need his mum interfering and making him look like a big baby.

I don't think you would get anywhere legally unless there had been a prior written agreement confirming cover for expense costs (which would be a breach of contract).

Isn’t this just part of life? Why on earth would they agree to cover his transport costs?

No, because a lot of us have attended interviews where we’ve been given a bs excuse for not getting the position.

My first interview in a school lasted over four hours. Despite having seen my CV, I was told I didn’t get the job because I hadn’t worked in a school before - no shit Sherlock.

This.

Are apprenticeship interviews different to other work and education interviews?

Because surely its very common to interview for something and not get in to the course /not get the job...its part of life and I've never heard costs being reimbursed?

Now personally, I would say this makes the "interview" a consultancy and DS should charge then (say) £70 for his time testing their interview process.

Don't be silly. It's disappointing but you're not helping by being nonsensical.

It's quite possible that he genuinely had a chance but in the end there was someone else just as good who lived closer and seemed more reliable. In his shoes I would ask for more feedback. He can ask for his travel costs as well if he likes. Might not get either but it's worth a try.

What is not worth a try is claiming that because he didn't get the job he was a consultant testing their interview process- that will just make him look mad and they will be pleased they turned him down.

They are not going to give an consultancy or travel expenses. Why would they?

Is the apprenticeship based in one location or will there be many site visits. We had electrician in work recently who had an apprentice. He had to make his own way to be onsite for 8am. They maybe concerned about his ability to get to sites on time.

Agree with others that you don't have a leg to stand on legally. He could only claim travel costs if they had agreed in advance that they would pay. There is no basis whatsoever for demanding a consultancy fee.

You been out in the heat too long op?

So frustrating for your son OP, 25 mins commute is not much at all. I'd be more concerned about the 2.5 hours notice given, how can anyone prepare for an interview in that time? Please tell him to keep going & chalk it all up as experience. My son applied for 26 apprenticeships & had various online tests, personality tests, online & face to face interviews & I honestly think he improved each time & he was lucky to get an apprenticeship that seems to really suit him. Best of luck x

It’s either this or rage bait 🤷‍♀️

I don't think you're helping him have realistic expectations of interviews. They provided relevant feedback even if it's not fair, for whatever reason that was a concern they were left with. He can take that on board and emphasize his availability and flexibility next time. But he was not consulting, he was interviewing and was beaten by a candidate they considered a better option.

Some "apprenticeships" are very dodgy. I know a boy who has completed his plumbing training at college with distinction and now needs to get work experience. Twice he has been taken on as an "apprentice" and done 4 weeks unpaid work with them. They've then stopped returning his calls.

A consultancy fee for your son, for attending an interview and not getting the job???
Are you mad, OP?

Don't be silly.

How old is he and can he drive? If it's a job with early starts or late finishes it may not be possible on public transport. Get him to find out exactly what the problem was, if possible.