Show threadAlex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK2d ago

Another article here about govt plans to get more #apprentices (which doesn't seem like a large number) - and mentioning many car aftermarket places are SMEs who don't have the resources to take on apprentices to start with (there's also a lot of prejudice from older business owners who complain that college graduates "aren't good enough") and don't want to invest in their development and training

https://www.catmag.co.uk/article/how-government-plans-to-create-jobs-for-the-young

How government plans to create jobs for the young | CAT Magazine

There has never been a greater need to get the young into automotive, and new plans could be a big help

Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK2d ago

This isn't a surprise - #automotive body #repair is physically demanding work with harsh working conditions, folk aren't going to want to carry on under constant time/budget pressures well into middle age, and it seems colleges are likely not training students in specialist #paintrepair as it requires most costs and expenses than general dismantling / prep of vehicles, and #bodyshops are often too lean to take on #apprentices (all the vacancies I see are wanting experienced techs)

https://www.catmag.co.uk/article/growing-worker-shortage-in-repair-sector-threatens-to-drive-up-insurance-costs

Growing worker shortage in repair sector threatens to drive up insurance costs | CAT Magazine

Drivers face longer repair times as bodyshops and garages struggle to attract and retain skilled workers

Osna.FMMay 5
According to the Federal Government's new vocational training report, apprenticeship contracts have continued to decline over the past year. In 2025, a total of... https://news.osna.fm/?p=44554 | #news #apprentices #left #shrink #spots
40,000 Apprentices Left Unplaced as Training Spots Shrink - Osna.FM

Discover why 40,000 youths lack apprenticeships and what businesses need to do to fix training gaps.

Osna.FM
Gay CurmudgeonApr 21
The Boal Barn in Boalsburg, Centre County, was home to the State College Community Theatre for over fifty years. I was lucky enough to act with them the final twenty. #community #comunitytheater #communitytheatre #statecollegecommunitytheater #statecollegecommunitytheatre #groupeffort #ittakesavillage #apprentice #apprentices #apprenticeprogram #nunsense #guysanddolls #musicalcomedymurdersof1940 #theheidichronicles #gayrights #bats #centrecounty #nearpsu #nearpennstate #pennstateuniversity
Gay CurmudgeonApr 3
The Boal Barn, in winter, where I worked with the State College Community Theatre for twenty years. Oil Painting. #art #artwork #arting #artist #artists #painter #painters #oilpainting #oilpaintings #oilpainters #boalbarn #theater #communitytheater #communitytheaters #communitytheatres #productions #happymemories #wonderfulmemories #acting #actor #actress #actors #apprentice #apprentices #apprenticeprogram #snow #snowing #snowscene #winter #winterscene #winterlandscape #snow
Show threadAlex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UKMar 27

more about the initiative here - they are genuinely putting effort into making things better for #mechanic #apprentices - but the issue is whether #garages are hiring them in the first place (as well as attracting young people to study #automotiive courses at college)

https://www.catmag.co.uk/features/career-for-life-goal-for-new-laser-tools-future50-initiative/

“Career for life” goal for new Laser Tools Future50 initiative - CAT Magazine

Tool provider celebrates 50th birthday with initiative to bring new talent into the industry

CAT Magazine - The latest news from the UK Independent Aftermarket
Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UKMar 27

This is a good initiative - Laser make decent #tools - I didn't even realise they had been around 50 years!

In UK #apprentices are expected to swallow the cost of buying their own tools, which is partly why there is a shortage of #mechanics in the whole country (the toolkit is worth about £500)

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/laser/laser-tools-launches-future50-initiative-to-support-apprentices/

Alex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UKMar 12

Working in the #trades has never been *that* "uncool" amongst young people - even when I was a teen, and its not surprising these careers may seem more appealing as University fees rise, and remaining entry level office jobs that haven't been #outsourced disappear due to #AI .

what the article doesn't mention is the poor pay for #apprentices, potential toxic work environments and precarity of work when starting out - at least the tools from #Draper targeted at new starters seem both affordable and decent quality

https://www.installeronline.co.uk/build/working-in-the-trades-is-cool-says-gen-z/

Working in the trades is “cool”, says Gen Z

New research by Draper Tools has found that young people view the trades as a "cool" career and a quicker way to earn £100k than going to university. The rese

Installer Online
Stu WattsMar 10
It's my 1 year anniversary at work. I have survived my first year as an educator! Everyone who told me the first year would be tough wasn't wrong! In fact, they downplayed just how tough it is. But I'm still here, and still enjoying it when it's not immensely stressful. #Teaching #FurtherEducation #Apprenticeships #Apprentices
Stu WattsMar 9

The long awaited follow-up to my insightful and incredibly well written blog about trying to become a teacher is up!
https://www.bone-idol.net/2025/03/09/teaching_devops_part2/

Disclaimer: may not be insightful or well written, but it is up.

#Teaching #Apprentices #Apprenticeships #GlosCol #DevOps #FurtherEducation

Teaching DevOps with Project Based Learning, part 2 ·

A new educator tries something