Health and Safety for Apprentices

Author: Emma Jones

As an employee, you have the right to feel safe and happy in your working environment and not be exposed to any dangerous situations. Your company has to have health and safety guidelines by law and must make sure that you are given adequate training in them.

They also have the responsibility to remove or fix any hazards in your workplace and give you the means to be safe if you are working off site. When you start your new job as an apprentice make sure you receive health and safety training and beware of any potential dangers.

Health and Safety Training

As part of the training that you receive as an apprentice you should be given health and safety training. The content and amount of this will vary depending on your job role. In some environments, such as factories or building sites, there will be more dangerous hazards than in places such as offices.

Your health and safety training should be comprehensive and give you a clear understanding of the dangers, processes in place to protect you and what you can do to keep yourself safe.

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Health and Safety Law

There are health and safety laws in place to protect employees against harm. These laws require your employer to do a number of things. They need to do a full risk assessment of the premises to identify any potential hazards and then work out how to prevent them. This information must be written up and available to staff as well as training being given so that they understand it fully.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Report Any Problems

If you have not received any formal health and safety training then talk to your manager about it as it is important that you made aware of any potential dangers. If you spot anything that you think may result in a hazard then report it to the relevant health and safety officer. It is the responsibility of every member of staff to make sure that the workplace is a safe environment.

Stay Safe

Following your health and safety training you need to take onboard the information that you are given and protect yourself suitably. Never flout health and safety regulations however trivial they may seem. Your safety is much more important than looking cool or making life a bit easier. You are within your rights to refuse to do something if you think it compromises your health and safety so you need to look out for yourself.

As an apprentice you receive a lot of training in different aspects of the job. Make sure that as part of the programme you receive health and safety training. Your company is required by health and safety law to minimise the hazards in your workplace and tell you about how to protect yourself, even when you are working off site.

If they don’t, then ask about it so you are clear what dangers to avoid. If you see any dangers then report them and make sure you look after yourself, abiding by the health and safety rules – they are there for a reason.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Apprenticeship Eligibility Checker lets you tell us about your situation and find out which UK apprenticeships you qualify for and how to apply. Try it now →

84 questions

Ask An Apprenticeship a Question

Lucy 09/02/2023 at 1:26 am

My daughter is a dental nurse apprentice just over a year and a few months. She’s been recently been criticised by the manager (not constructive criticism) since the change of ownership as both owners had a fall out and the Dr who recruited my daughter sold his share to his partner and left. Since then one by one all that nursed for that dr were treated so bad they all left one by one and as my daughter is an apprentice she held on tight taking all the criticism which really affected her mentally and she broke down everyday saying she couldn’t do this anymore. The manager looks for reasons to blame her for not working right and tells her she’s good for nothing and that no dentist wants to work with her, she is a bright student and has always been praised by the previous dr who she was nursing for. Today she got bullied so bad by the manager in front of two other nurses who stood by the manager that she had to come home crying. She’s wrote a resignation and handed it to her now boss stating all the harassment she’s getting but I don’t know where she stands now with only 5 months before her exams she’s got no work and so mentally disturbed. Please can anyone advice what to do? Thank you

BSR 22/11/2020 at 10:30 pm

My son is a plumbing apprentice. He has from the start of his second year been left alone on jobs everyday, not supervised at all, while his boss tells him not to tell people he is an apprentice. Last week he had to isolate as tested positive to covid. His boss told him to take off the names of people on contact tracing, on a site he had been working with because in not so nice words it was inconvenient and the job wouldn’t be finished in time.
He is now preventing my son from finishing his course on time because he is not booking in the work he needs to finish purposefully. He is also saying he has to pay a tiler some money for a job that needed re-doing as one of the other partners of the firm gave him the wrong measurements to pipe up a job, again on his own all day, while no-one checked the work before getting it tiled. My argument is yes a mistake was made but not by my son, he had done as he was told, which was wrong as they gave him the wrong measurements, and also left everyday to work when he is an apprentice. The boss is charging out plumbers rates and the customer or developer is then getting an apprentice to do the work for £30 a day! What are his rights as an apprentice?

Kazza78 03/09/2020 at 10:14 am

My 16 year old son has started an apprenticeship as an electrician, only a small business, he gets paid monthly and will attend college 1 day a week. His employer has said he needs to do a health and safety course but my son has had to pay for it himself is this correct or should his employer pay for his training?

Ali 27/07/2020 at 4:10 pm

Do apprentices have a legal right to travel expenses? My son travels in his own car as an electrical apprentice for job to job every day and it’s costing him a lot of money. Should his employee be paying expenses for this?

skb 25/06/2019 at 1:17 pm

My daughter started her apprenticeship with a NHS hospital last year. So far she has not had any study days and I do not know whether she is even going to receive a certificate at the end of her apprenticeship year. She is 20 and being paid 3.70 an hour. They said they had problem getting them a study base and have asked them to sign up for a second year for a level 3 apprenticeship.
It seems like they are exploiting her and using her for cheap labour as apparently they don't have the funds. Where does she stand

Carol 12/06/2019 at 10:28 am

My daughter is an apprentice in a drs surgery. She is nearly finished her apprenticeship but over the last few weeks has become very distressed. The surgery was taken over by an other company who want to connect five surgeries and ha e o e hub which appears to be the norm now. But o several occasions my daughter has been left on her own to do her job when I say on her own there is no one else about. Is this illegal as she is an apprentice?

Bear 11/06/2019 at 12:27 pm

I am concerned about my 16 year old who is doing a Child Care Apprenticeship. This is her first experience of a full time job but so far, the impression of the Nursery is falling short for her. So she was taken on at the same time as another girl - they are both the same age and both doing the same Apprenticeship. My daughter is meant to be based in a particular room - as is the other girl - however, my daughter has so far been made to work in other areas and seems to be floating between where she is them told she is not needed and has nothing to do. She doesn't know the children, the routines or therules of the room and so far, no-one has explained anything to her. The other girl has also been issued with her room entry key yet my daughter hasn't so she has to keep asking for help to get in and out of the rooms. No-one talks to her at lunchtime - there is a lot of gossiping in the staff room and she is just feeling uncomfortable.

mtg35 19/04/2019 at 1:36 pm

My 18 yo is an apprentice in a private nursery. She is also insulin dependent diabetic. She was assured she would be given regularly spaced breaks to allow for insulin etc but this us not happening. There seems to be regular illness among staff but as there is only ONE staff toilet my daughter inevitably becomes ill too. She has been in hosp 3 times in 9 months due to this. .and had only been in hosp once in previous 10 years. No proper staffroom or relaxation area for staff and often asked to do work related things when in a break. College tutor says none of this anything to do with her...it is nursery business. Also....should apprentices be vlunted un staff ratios? Is all of this normal practice?

Donna 28/02/2019 at 8:06 am

My daughter started her apprenticeship in September. For the last 3 weeks gas been ill . She has got 3 sick notes of the doctor. Now they have sacked her and not paid her

Marty 05/01/2019 at 10:43 am

My daughter started an apprenticeship about 5 months ago with a big company, she is starting work at 8am and and not finishing till 7.30-8pm every night sometimes without a break at all she also works every other Saturday, she was told she would have 5 clients a day and has on average 11 she has been coming come stressed and crying and we live down lanes with no lights and she came home the other night crying and whaling that she was all dizzy and nearly had an accident, I told the boss who gave her 4 days off due to stress with the job! Yesterday they told her she would not be getting paid for the time off either, now she is back and it has started all over again and I am really worried about my daughters health and well-being.

Annie 12/10/2018 at 2:07 pm

My daughter turned 19 on the 8th September 2018. She is a 2nd year apprentice. She is querying her pay as she was only paid the £3.70 ph in Septembers months wages.
Her employer said she is not entitled to the higher pay of £5.90 ph as her birthday fell on 8th September, and it would only begin in the next months pay.
Should they expect the higher rate of £5.90ph from the date of the 19th birthday? I would assume so.

General 05/09/2018 at 7:49 pm

Hi, my son is at the end of his 2nd year apprenticeship as a carpenter, he got this job via a company called Skills Group. Throughout his apprenticeship his wages has been hit and miss, he loves his job however since the end of June 18 he hasn’t received a penny for his work. He has approached his employer many of times and is told the same story every time “Work is slow or just haven’t got the money to pay you” yet he puts in a full days work for his employer. I’ve approached the collage (skills group) who tell me they are investigating it!! Yet the financial (wages) is down to the employer not the collage. Please can you advise on the next step, as my son remains loyal to his employer, but it’s starting to become an issue.

Meeka 22/05/2018 at 10:55 pm

Hi my daughter started an apprenticeship within the Equine Industry & she's not received a fully break down of her employment plus she's not done health & safety....along with that she's actually being left to open up the business in most mornings on her own & she's having to deal with 20 horses which includes her having to feed & enter there stables ...my concern is what happens if God forbid any of these horses had to cause her injury as it would be that would have to find her when collecting her at finishing times meaning there's days where there is nobody there for the fully day so she's not seeing any management & it seems it's just cheap labour as far as we are concerned. My daughter loves it & she's very quite so has a problem asking for anything her wages included ...she's not bn paid for 5 weeks with only in the last 2 days asking for her National Insurance number so I believe she was working cash in hand original ...so my question is ...is she allowed to work on her own ? I'm actual want to leave as nothing seems to be done she doesn't even have a breakdown of the written work & what will be covered in set years so I need some help because I'm losing the will to will ?

Lew lew 09/05/2018 at 11:19 am

Hi there I think there are taking advantage of me because I am transgender and saying I am not aloud in the same toilet as they say I am not aloud and I have to yous the same tiolet

Freddie 10/04/2018 at 7:24 pm

My grandson is 3yr apprentice can an employer tell him to take a day off if there is no work
And does he have to pay him for that day

AnApprenticeship Editor 26/03/2018 at 11:11 am

If your son is unwell, then your son would have to visit his doctor. If his doctor thinks he should be signed off, he will be. You can see more via the link here which will tell your son all he needs to know about claiming sick pay and whether he is entitled to it.

DELYTH 24/03/2018 at 9:48 am

My son works as an apprentice Chef.He works very hard in a place that is very contradictory and doesn't have it all together.He is often roped into the gossip and drama of the place which is not his problem.There is talks if the boss selling and people walking.they all slag each other off and don't seem to have a clue about loyalty and such.The place is a shambles.This and other circumstances in his personal life ha e left him feeling very depressed.He is suicidal right now and finds one more shift at work unbearable.His boss told him to just snap out of his depression which I'm afraid isn't as easy as that.He needs to see a doctor and has told me he will.How does he get time off sick with such a non understanding boss?He needs a week away to see a doctor and be looked after.I fear for him and it's making me Ill aswell.Thankyou

Lucy 28/02/2018 at 8:54 am

Hi,

I have concerns that an apprentice I know who has worked for the same employer for a number of years is taken on regular all expense paid holidays, weekends away, meals out. He also takes her boyfriend with her and pays for him too. He will often stay in the same room to save costs.

Should I raise this as a concern or is not my place?

Mici 25/10/2017 at 8:08 pm

I starter on apprenticeship as a chef on the 18 Oct but have been told I won't be payed for six weeks is this right.

Mici 25/10/2017 at 8:05 pm

I started on the 18 of Oct on an apprenticeship as a chef. But I have been told I have to work for 6 weeks before I get any pay then I will only get paid 2 weeks on the 27 Nov. then the month after a month's pay so on and so fourth. Is this right.

AnApprenticeship Editor 10/10/2017 at 12:33 pm

You don't say how long you have been in the job, and/or what your job offer specified. Therefore, it makes it difficult to advise. In this case, you may wish to speak to ACAS directly to see whether you have any rights to claim unfair dismissal.

Chris89 09/10/2017 at 5:23 pm

I been working as a apprentice assistant site manager.

My company didn't send me to college they used a company to assess me.

I've never had a apprentice agreement
I've never had a approved training programme
I havent signed a document saying I'm willing to work over 48 hours on average I work 7 days a week 70 hours a week.

It turns out they also haven't registered me with a reconoised training provider or registered me and they pay me 12k annual salary.

I have gotten very ill from working on many occasions 20 days straight.

Had time off and was given a written warning without a meeting or representation.

I now feel like I'm going to have a break down from exhaustion and my boss handed in my regisnation when I didn't hand one in

What shall I do I been exploited and losing my job

Crazygirll1 09/10/2017 at 2:29 pm

I was working as a nursery nurse apprentice at a local nursery I was only allowed to work 8 hours a day but once they made me work over that to do the dishwasher. After 40 minutes of working over my allowed time the deputy manger told me to go as it was illegal for me to work over 8 hours she told the manger but the manager still wanted me to stay to finish the dishwasher. Also I was made to carry very heavy furniture out of a room into another. This room was very dangerous. I have left now without completing my apprentiship as I couldn’t qualify unless I passed my maths and I know I wouldn’t after failed twice before. I wasn’t happy and the work place was making me depressed so I left. Is this acceptable the way the treated me?

C man 04/10/2017 at 12:20 pm

Me and my work mate have been painting a house all week but he isn’t here for two days, so my boss was going to bring another painter in to get the job finished, but due to lack of employees I’m expected to finish the job by my self. I’m a qualified painter but haven’t done it in a while and I left my company so I could start a plastering apprenticeship with this new company but they’re expecting me to finish this painting job which I don’t agree with. Have I got to get the job done even though I’m on apprentice money?

Caroline 25/04/2017 at 4:32 pm

My son is in his 3rd year of a retail management apprenticeship. Whilst his wages are good for an apprentice, that is where it stops.
He has never been expected to attend college as he was told the assessor would come out to him. During the first year of his apprenticeship, I believe he saw his assessor a maximum of 6 times. The second year probably about 3-4 times and since Sept 2016 when he started his final year, he hasn't seen anyone. He's basically being labelled as an apprentice and getting the wages to match, but is treated like a standard employee. His day generally consists of stacking shelves and sitting on the tills. He has actively volunteered to help out at other stores in the region in the hope of gaining more experience and this has only highlighted how far behind he is with his apprenticeship compared to others who started at the same time. Despite him raising his concerns about his training (or lack of), the college appear to have lost his details and therefore weren't aware they shouldn't been visiting. This was addressed over 4 weeks ago now but still nothing further has happened. He doesn't receive any training over and above what a normal store assistant does and ironically is currently receiving some training from another apprentice who commenced with the company a year after my son started!
He has been expected to work night shifts as the duty manager, but as he is only an apprentice they have advised that they can't pay him the duty manager allowance for running the shift.
In addition to this, on his last pay slip his hourly rate of pay is less for a night shift than it is for working during the day.
During Dec 2016, there were some weeks where he was working 50 hours!
How are employers allowed to get away with exploiting youngsters like this?
For an employer to class him as an apprentice, how much training should he be doing?
In my eyes, they are using him as cheap labour. Any advise would be gratefully appreciated.

Neat 04/04/2017 at 11:07 am

My 19 yr old daughter is frequently working on her own and is doing late nights also on her own in a hair salon out of a town center. Her shifts are changed on the day from 8 hour to 10 hour shifts. Is this all right?
She is very unhappy and is expected to have hours reduced or increased to suit the salon sometimes with no notice. She went into work today at 10am thinking she was working until 6pm only to find it has changed to 8pm. Only one break if she gets it.

Mum of Ivy 03/03/2017 at 9:29 pm

Thank you for finally replying to my daughers request for help in need of support. It was my mistake as I looked at previous replies posted on your site and saw with at least 5 comments posted that you did reply within 24 hrs! but having seen your comments "Firstly, we are a general guidance service that receives hundreds of comments across our sites per day and cannot get to them all. Likewise, nowhere on our sites does it mention we answer all comments, we can only try to get to them where we can." And indeed after my posted comments you did manage a reply?! My daugter did mange to reconcile her problem without your help.

AnApprenticeship Editor 02/03/2017 at 11:20 am

Firstly, we are a general guidance service that receives hundreds of comments across our sites per day and cannot get to them all. Likewise, nowhere on our sites does it mention we answer all comments, we can only try to get to them where we can. We are neither an apprenticeship provider, so if your daughter has a complaint about an aspect of her job, in the first instance she should complain informally both to her employer directly and her apprenticeship provider, With regards to your daughter's comment about 'cheap labour', this has been an ongoing critisism of apprenticeships for many years. However, some see apprenticeships in a positive light i.e, they are learning on the job and earning at the same time. Likewise, they do not have to pay college or university fees towards their qualification. Others think they are being financially abused by their employers and therefore refuse to enroll on an apprenticeship because of the low wage. Before your daughter started her job she would have been briefed on the amount of pay she would receive, so could make an informed decision. If your daughter wishes to remain in her job and has tried solving the health and safety problem and other concerns informally by talking to her employer, but she is still not satisfied, then she can make a formal grievance complaint in writing, I hope this helps.

Mum pf Ivy 01/03/2017 at 12:18 pm

My daughter post on your website some concerns with her apprentaship and I am very disappointed that you did not reply as her concerns as they are very serious!!! She ended her posting saying "I no longer want to be an apprentance as no one looks after you!!" and through your lack of interest you have proved her right.!!!!

Ivy 25/02/2017 at 11:07 am

I am employed as an apprentence at a nursery for ages 3 months to 5 years I have been there for a month. I have had no health and safety training, I was told by the manager I would be able to start NVQ level 2 training after two weeks but as off Friday just gone I am still not enrolled (ONE MONTH LATER). I will be sent on a first aid training course at September 2017. I have been with children that have had choking incidences which I have had to deal with, there are other staff members in the room but they are dealing with other children, I find this a worry! Last week I was headbutted by a child across my nose and eyes which left me stunned and upset, I was unable to collect myselft and work. I asked my manager to go home and she refused saying she did not have enough staff, instead she sent me in to be with the babies as she felt this was an easier task. At no point did I receive any first aid treament from a qualified staff member I was not even offered an ice pack. I was made to finish my shift at 6pm (incident happened at 11:30 am)and was not instructed to fill out an accident report and due to not having any health and safety training I did not know I had to until my Mum asked me. The following day I was unable to stand due to a sever headacheand informed my manger I would not be in to work. My Manager rung me later and said "if I was to be off an extra day she needed to know before 4pm or else" This made me very upset and feel even worse I went to my local walk in center where I was diagnosed with concussion. This happend to me on the Wednesdayday and I have not been back to work. I dread returning on Monday and I feel I no longer want to be an apprentance as no one looks after you!! It seems to me to be a way to have cheap labour and for the goverment to say the young are in work!!! I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO???

AnApprenticeship Editor 09/02/2017 at 12:50 pm

It is obvious your son's employers in general are being supportive of your son and are dealing with the situation fairly. However, if your son continues to have this problem and it interferes with the ability to do his job properly, then unfortunately he can be dismissed. It is also not out of line for the third director to question his injury and whether it may impact on him being able to do his job long term.

Mum of an apprentice 08/02/2017 at 8:06 pm

My son has an apprenticeship as a plumber. He is about 8 months into this. He has had no negative feedback from his managers who are directors of the company and he has not been off sick. A few weeks he was carrying equipment upstairs and his leg went from under him and he has had problems with hi knee since. he went to the doctors and he was advised to have 3 - 4 weeks off and rest and was on pan killers due to a torn tendon, but my son was worried how that would effect his employment so continued to work and his knee has not improved, he took a few days leave to see if this would help but ended up having to go back to the doctors, the doctor once again advised a few weeks off but my son again was worried about losing his job so he agreed to a week and then spoke to his directors about the problem he had and the recommendations the doctor had made, he was told by the 2 directors that it would not affect his employment and that things like this happened , so my son went back to the doctors and has been signed off for another 2 weeks. Yesterday morning he was phoned by a 3rd director who has very little input within the company and who may only go in once a week. He asked my son what had happened and how it had happened and then continued to say to my son 'does he think he's in the right profession? ' My son responded very well and said that yes he was, that he loved his job, and that the issue with his knee was not helped by the amount of equipment they had to carry up and down stairs whilst they were on site. My son has since spoken to the other directors who had no issues with him being off, and have told him to ignore the 3rd director as he had no say in the hiring and firing, however this has obviously worried my son. My question is was this appropriate for the director to contact him and question him like this and make the suggestion that he had? and also is there anything he can do to protect himself? Many thanks

Gucci 31/01/2017 at 8:32 pm

My boss never pays been on time I've been working there as an apprentice for a year and it's never been on time I have to nag him to pay me , like today he said it will be in and it's pay day and then changed it to being in the morning, I don't know what to do

HRICHA 03/01/2017 at 2:38 pm

Hi,
I am a 17 year old Level 3 Early Years Education apprentice, working in a Nusery. I am being made to complete every nappy run in a single day, which requires up to 40 nappy changes. Is this legal? I feel it must be unhealthy as I seem to be constantly ill with different viruses. I have discussed the matter with my manager and told that is what I should expect as I am the apprentice. Other members of staff including apprentices are not made to do their share and it is all left to me. Do you have any advice?

Firefly 10/09/2016 at 11:18 pm

Hi, I'm an apprentice electrician, I've just started my second year, but i found out yesterday I'm pregnant, how can I carry on my apprenticeship? Can my company fire me, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to go on site in this condition, can they set rid of me some other way?
This is really worrying me, as I love my job, would appreciate some advice please, thanks

Jh 02/09/2016 at 7:30 am

Hi my partner is a apprentice plumber he is made to make his own way to work a lot of the time even if it's really far travel and is costing a lot in taxis and even sometimes works on site on his own without another qualified member of staff there surly he should be picked up and taken to jobs and not expected to pay his own travel on such a little wage?

AnApprenticeship Editor 24/08/2016 at 10:28 am

I can give you the table of rates, please see gov.uk whichHis wages should rise once your son has recieved his qualification and finished the course. Although, he may wish to check this with his employer/apprenticeship provider.

DK 23/08/2016 at 8:55 am

Hi, My son has just finished 2 year apprenticeship in level 2 Heating & Plumbing. His certificate is dated 20th July 2016. He is still with his employer. When would he expect his pay rise to be from please? And how do you know what rate it will be?

homar 31/05/2016 at 9:03 pm

I am 40 years old chef apprentice and I have 50 hours contract in busy pub.Last 10 weeks I have worked app 50 hours extra unpaid because manager find more work every day and didn't leave off.

AnApprenticeship Editor 21/04/2016 at 12:58 pm

Please see the ACAS link here to raising a grievance at work. Before she does, I suggest she gives ACAS a call directly regarding her employer stopping holidays and in order to find out her rights.

chel 20/04/2016 at 6:39 pm

My daughter is 22 years old doing her apprenticeship in a nursery (level 2 childcare) her boss is horrible to her has reduced her to tears shouts at her infront of collegues parents and children . Has had changing nappies whilst waiting on crb check when my daughter brought this her boss attention that she was not happy to do this under my advisement as im in same profession have been for 12 years she gave my daughter a written warning which i looked at and its not even legal not professional headed does not say why except that my daughter has an attitude and not behaving !! Since then she has cut back my daughters sons nursery hours which my daughter was getting as an employee with discount due to apparently my daughters behaviour also discussed private confidential information about my daughter to a parent and now she is refusing her annual leave which in her contract does not say as an apprentice your not entitled to !! What can my daughter do who can she speak to about this situation.

Anisha 06/04/2016 at 8:59 pm

I am a 16 year old apprentice working in a community pharmacy. I have been doing whatever my employer has been telling me to do ever since I have started without any hesitation whatsoever. My job title is a Pharmacy assistant, I have been cleaning, vacuuming, mopping ever since I have started, other than that related to my job title I have been selling otc medication and products without any training under the supervision of my pharmacist, checking otc and cleaning shelves and products around the whole shop, recently a colleague has mentioned to me that if I am feeling uncomfortable with my employers making me do all this I should speak up, a month ago my employer told me to clean the window outside and get rid of dog poo outside the shop which was stuck to the ground, at first I looked at her face and thought she was joking I did not say anything and carried on doing my work a few days later, she mentioned the same thing again and instead told me in a very disturbing way that I had to get rid of the dog poo which is none of my business whoevers dog did it was their responsibility and the shop is not mine either so she could have done it herself my colleage was staring at me and signalling me to tell her no but I was very angry I took some gloves and went out the dog poo was stuck to the ground I just placed some tissue on it and went back in! I was very angry! Just because I don't speak up is it right for my employers to make me do this I am only a 16 year old training to be a pharmacy assistant! One day my employer made me work 9 hours without a break and just apologised the next day? I dont know what to do Ive had enough but I am too scared to speak

AnApprenticeship Editor 03/03/2016 at 12:35 pm

Please see Working Hours and Holidays link, here which will tell you the national guidelines for working hours.

Lara 02/03/2016 at 5:45 pm

My son is a 3rd apprentice engineer. He has been having to do unpaid overtime because they are "making things for charity". This is ranging from 2 1/2 hrs to 4 hours a day overtime. (9hrs) in three days alone. Is this legal. His usual working hours are 8-4.30 and sometimes not finishing until 8.30 at night.

AnApprenticeship Editor 11/02/2016 at 12:00 pm

If your partner's daughter is unhappy with the way she is being treated, then she would have the option to raise a grievance, please see ACAS link here which will hopefully help.

pabs 10/02/2016 at 6:53 pm

my partners daughter is 19, and nearing the end of her apprenticeship as nursery nurse,but lately her boss who also owns the nursery, attitude and behaviour towards all apprentiships has become unacceptable and erratic,and basically bullying. some work involves childminding, players children at everton Liverpool matches, this is for extra money,this girl worked bank holidays over Christmas but the boss refused to pay them, saying they didn't deserve it, the girl phones her mum on all her breaks, and the boss took the mickey out of her saying arghh how old are you still phoning your mummy,now today the boss/owner/bully threw all the apprentices dinners in the bin, and said you are all scruffs !! the girl doesn't want to risk her job, and I don't want her mum going to confront the woman, what can the girl do or ask for help, there is no union

AnApprenticeship Editor 03/12/2015 at 2:33 pm

Many thanks for your responses.

jessica 03/12/2015 at 1:13 pm

Safety training is important before employing any worker. A recent study concludes that in 2014, 20.5% of all workplace accidents occurred in the construction industry. Thus, it is important to ensure proper training and safety while working on construction sites.

AnApprenticeship Editor 25/11/2015 at 11:26 am

Please see CAB link here which should answer your questions and advise on what to do.

Smattie 24/11/2015 at 5:00 pm

My 18 year old daughter took on a role as a level 2 apprentice with a local chemist store in August. The job included lots of bending (no health & safety advice given whatsoever) and on the third morning her back was so painful that she was unable to go into work and had to call in sick for the day. Although she was still in some pain she went back to work the following day and during the course of the week she made up for the hours she had missed when she took the day off sick.

At the end of the week she asked if she could reduce her hours as she was still struggling with the physical aspects of the job and they said no, if she didn't want to continue to do 40 hours per week she would need to leave their employ at the end of the day, which she did.

This was in August and now at the end of November she has still not been paid for the 40 hours she worked that week. They have delayed and delayed and are now saying that as an apprentice she only gets paid for a maximum of 16 hours per week. She was never given a contract of employment or anything in writing relating to pay and conditions of work. Am I correct in thinking it would be illegal for him to pay an apprentice for only 16 hours when they work a full 40 hour week?

If he won't pay her for the 40 hours how do I take the matter further? Thank you for any advice.

Tammy76 11/11/2015 at 4:35 pm

Hi my son is a mechanic apprentice, he has been given 3 months notice where he works , can his employer do this he hasn't been given a reason just told it hasn't worked out ,he was meant to be there for 2 years he has no contract and has had his wages deducted lots of times I don't feel he has been treated fairly

Evlemke 02/11/2015 at 9:29 am

My son is a second year apprentice (mechanical engineering) his employer sacked the journeyman and now my son doesn't have a journeyman to teach him. He attends college one day a week and is doing well there but his employer asked him to strip a piece of machinery last week unsupervised and he couldn't complete the task as there was no-one there to ask or help him he resorted to watching an example on you tube. Today his employer has told him that as he didn't complete the task he needs to "buck up or he may find himself getting fired" Can he do this and also my son is left alone in the workshop unsupervised is this allowed?

viv 24/10/2015 at 4:29 pm

hi my daughters doin 3rd year apprentice on 3.50 an hour is this legal as shes recieving training ? also now pregnant how does this affect her rights and can they make her change her hours and do they have to take her back afterwards many thanks

AnApprenticeship Editor 01/10/2015 at 11:34 am

Please see the article: An Apprentice's Study Commitments, here which should tell you all you need to know about balancing work and study and of course training on the job.

Con 30/09/2015 at 11:58 am

Hi im an apprentice and ive read in a unison book about apprentice rights that i should be entitled to study time within work hours is this correct?

K 17/09/2015 at 10:08 pm

Should an apprentice be supervised and is it reasonable for an apprentice to expect some training and support in the workplace from a senior colleague.

sue 03/08/2015 at 11:15 pm

Thank you for your info and my niece is 19 , she is now being bullied by the owner of the residential home because I told her to write in her notes that she is not to under any curcumstances administer medication without appropriate training, She has also incurred an injury due to lifting, the ilegal under arm lift which staff have shown her.
Much appreciated

AnApprenticeship Editor 03/08/2015 at 12:46 pm

@Sue - you don't say how old your niece is, however, the link to our partner article Working Hours and Holidays here should offer some help. I also suggest she calls the National Apprenticeship helpline via the link here which should be able to give further advice on the issues with her assessor and whether she should be working the hours she is. I hope this helps.

Sue 31/07/2015 at 7:50 pm

Please can you give me some information my niece is on an apprentiship I have concerns She is doing NvQ Level 2 in Social care and I am trained myself to a high level within this service, My niece has told me her assessor has not been intouch for over a month and she is now being trained with bad practice by regulat staff, her employer is telling her she is not entitled to holidays after 13 weeks and She is working 12 hour shifts as a one parent family do apprentiships recognise work life balance ?
Thank you Sue

jay 13/07/2015 at 9:57 pm

My son has a written contract saying it's 5pound an hour apprenticeship he's been there 2 months and has a spaceship and been paid fir the 2 months. They have now told him it's the wrong wage and it should be minimum wage so next month they will apply this with a new contract,what can we do,what are our rights. He has just had his 17th birthday.

Fizz 13/07/2015 at 5:38 pm

I am 20 years old and have been on apprenticship for almost a year.. I have never seen my contract and only know that i should be working 24hours a week for 73.65 ...but i work 30hrs and sometimes more am i ment to be having minimum wage if i go over my hours?? And how many holiday off am i ment to have in a year??

AnApprenticeship Editor 01/06/2015 at 10:00 am

@kaz - the national minimum wage for an apprentice is currently £2.73 if he is aged 16 to 18 or 19 or over and in his first year. If he was being paid for seven hours per day, then @£20 per day it would equate to £2.85 per hour, which is slightly over the national minimum wage. However, this sounds more like a zero hours contract than an apprenticeship. If your son has officially been employed as an apprentice, then you will need to seek extra advice to see whether his employer is working within the legal guidelines. You can speak with the National Apprenticeship helpline via whichI hope this helps.

kaz 27/05/2015 at 1:02 pm

My son is 21 yrs old and started an apprentise three months ago with a small company. He has not been given a contract of employment and has been told he is on a trail period and will be paid £20 a day. His employer over the three months has given my son days off as there has been no work or the employer has other personnel things he needs to attend to and has not paid my son for these days which i feel is very unfair. My son has not asked for any time off. He has not paid my son for the bank holidays either.
I would really appreaciate so advice about this.

AnApprenticeship Editor 14/05/2015 at 1:45 pm

@dandy - apprentices are treated like other employers and much depends upon the apprenticeship your son is involved in. If he is answering the phones in an office, then there is little or no health and safety risk. On the other hand, if he is working with complex heavy machinery, then there will be more stringent company guidelines in place. I have included a link to the HSE article- 'what the law says about young people at work', here . I hope this helps to answer your question.

dandy 12/05/2015 at 7:37 pm

my son is a third year apprentice, is it right that he is left alone to do work, or am i right in saying apprentice should not be left alone until his final year, when has proven he is compent in his trade.

AnApprenticeship Editor 12/05/2015 at 2:45 pm

@tassy - it looks as though they have let her go after the initial probationary period. They would not have had to pay her the minimum wage if she was taken on as an apprentice. However, should you need to seek any further advice, you may want to give Acas a call via whichI hope this helps.

tassy 10/05/2015 at 10:36 pm

Hi
My daughter was taken on as an apprentice being paid the £2.73 pr hour. She is 17. She has not received an apprentice contract, nor any wage slips. She was promised training and to go to college. This did not materialise and after approx. three months was told, that unable to afford to send her to college as it would take longer than thought to bring her on and basically let go there and then. She was paid to the end of the month (1 and half weeks pay). The way I see it, if she did not have a contract, then not an apprentice and if so, should have been paid the minimum wage??

AnApprenticeship Editor 15/04/2015 at 11:21 am

@ali - You don't say how old you are, but even though you are on an apprenticeship scheme you are treated as an employee and therefore will be paid a regular wage. This money will be paid weekly or monthly to you and you have to pay tax and national insurance on your earnings. The National Minimum Wage for apprentices from 1 October 2014 for age under 19 or aged 19 or over but in the first year of their Apprenticeship is £2.73 per hour. Apprentices over the age of 19 and who have completed one year of their Apprenticeship are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage applicable to their age. These rates apply to time working, plus time spent training that is part of the Apprenticeship. Should you need further clarification then you can call the National Apprenticeship helpline via whichI hope this helps.

ali 12/04/2015 at 5:05 pm

Hi I have been informed that if I work over 30hours a week that the hours over 30 should be paid at the full national minimum wage £6.50 is this correct?

AnApprenticeship Editor 19/03/2015 at 11:51 am

@Helen - I am a bit confused by your article, have you finished the course also, or are you still attending your day release? I suggest in this instance you give the Apprenticship helpline a call via the link here as one of its advisors should be able to help.

Helen 16/03/2015 at 11:57 pm

I was 24 when I started an apprenticeship studied only one day each week and did not receive related wages as I was directly employed by the company. However, after becoming ill in the awful environment I quit. I'm currently trying to apply for JSA and asked for my learning agreement. Upon viewing the learning agreement it stated that I should receive £120 each week since leaving the employer whilst still on the course I haven't received anything. Is this normal or should I be looking into this?

AnApprenticeship Editor 26/02/2015 at 11:24 am

@Alex - did you work the week? If so, then you should be paid for the work and hours you have done. I suggest in this instance you give ACAS a call, who will advise you on the best way forward regarding this matter. You can contact the helpline via whichI hope this helps.

Alex 24/02/2015 at 11:00 am

Hi,
I have been working 4 and a half months in a construction site and I have been paid as an apprentice. Last week the assessor came on site and we did signed some papers. After few days the employer sacked me and he told me to find somebody else to finish my apprenticeship. The employer did not paid me for a whole week as well... What should I do?

AnApprenticeship Editor 11/02/2015 at 9:57 am

@fairplay - how very frustrated your son must feel. Firstly, you don't say how old your son is, but I assume he is 19 as apprentices over this age and who have completed one year of their apprenticeship are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage applicable to their age. These rates apply to time working, plus time spent training. Apprenticeships can take one to four years to complete depending on their level. I think the issue in question here is that the firm can't afford to take him on (which may not have been forecast a year ago), but they obviously want to keep him, so have therefore offered an extension to his apprenticeship as a way of keeping him employed. However, this is obviously not ideal for your son and has come as an obvious disappointment. I think with regards to the wage issue and the other issues you have mentioned it may be worth giving Acas a call and talking through this with someone directly. I don't imagine offering the apprenticeship extension is illegal, but keeping him below minimum wage needs addressing. Please see Acas which

fairplay 10/02/2015 at 3:24 pm

When my son's apprenticeship ended,he was not offered a wage increase in line with the minimum pay rates, 2 months later he should have also received an age increase. Now 4 months later he is still being paid the apprentice rate, so questioned, and followed up in writing as to why he was not getting paid the correct rate.
The company responded by saying a) they could not efford him & b) did not have a position for him & C) offered him another apprentiship associated with the company.
So why did the company take him on if they new they would not have a position at the end of the apprenticeship ?
Why did they not tell/ask him to change his apprenticeship course to suit the later offer ?
Can a company put an apprentice on a 2nd appreniceship, on apprentice wage rates, & basically save money & use him as a lacky !

AnApprenticeship Editor 29/01/2015 at 11:31 am

@cops - Apprentices have the same maternity rights as employees including the right to take reasonable time off for antenatal appointments, including time needed to travel to the clinic or GP, without loss of pay. I hope this helps.

cops 27/01/2015 at 8:14 pm

My daughter is 16 has been working on an apprenticeship and found out she is pregnant what are her rights. Can they sack her

nathan wooly 25/01/2015 at 12:34 pm

temperature at very cold level for winter
our building is so cold the pipe freeze very regular and the temperature is so low to work in we need to wear coats and where gloves for a non fridge building. we discussed this with the boss and nothing gets done.
the trade my apprenticeship is with is dry cleaning and should be a warm environment.
is this against my human rights. our boss is indian.

Phil Editor 22/01/2015 at 11:10 am

@woody - he has no obligation to supply you with work boots. Some employers may supply work clothes others not. I know it seems a lot of money to come from your wages, so is it something you can discuss with him? For instance if you suggested that to buy a pair will equate to a quarter or half of your weekly take home pay, is there any chance he could put up the money and you could pay it back weekly over a period of time? This may draw his attention to the fact it is a big payout and he may offer to help, especially if you are likely to go through so many pairs.

woody 21/01/2015 at 3:08 pm

im 17 apprentice and my employer is making me buy my own work boots? is this right or should he be buying them even if I go through like 7 pairs a year or something?

AnApprenticeship Editor 23/12/2014 at 12:51 pm

@alexisangry - I think in this case it is best that you speak to someone directly, as your situation is hard to give remote advice - you can call the National Apprenticeship helpline on 0800 015 0400. I hope this helps.

Clarke Editor 16/09/2014 at 11:03 am

@Dez, put in a formal complaint of bullying to the nursery owners and also write to Ofsted. Even though it is a private nursery it will still be inspected by Ofsted. One of the areas Ofsted review is the management of staff and if they have had a formal complaint about the management of the nursery they have a duty to look into it.

dez 15/09/2014 at 7:20 pm

Hi my daughter has been working for a private nursery
For 15 months on a apprenticeship.she has reached her level 2 in childcare
And really enjoys the job .for the past 6 months the owner - manager of this nursery has humiliated her in front of the children and other members of staff
.This is not just happening with our daughter this is also happening with other apprentices..we contacted a.c.a.s and apprenticeship help service who both said they couldn't help.surely in this day and age there must be someone who can help these kids who work there butts off just to be treated like crap
. Thanks dez

Couchy 12/05/2014 at 9:22 pm

Hi i signed up to do my NVQ (QCF) Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care last April, unfortunately paper work got lost and i had to resign in August last year. Its a 12 month course but I have now finished with 3 months left. I have now been told that i cant hand in my work until August, once the course is complete and if I pass, I am entitled to a pay raise (not much, but its what I worked for) what rights do I have and can I argue my case x I really don't know what to do x please help thanks x

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