Can I Sack an Apprentice?

Author: Josh Hall

Apprentices can be a hugely valuable addition to your workforce. Many businesses rely on apprentices to provide them with the skills they need, and many apprentices go on to climb within the business in which they train.

Sometimes, though, things don’t work out. It is sometimes necessary to dismiss apprentices. While this is not a pleasant task, there is often no alternative. It is legally possible to sack apprentices. But you need to make sure that you act within the boundaries of the law in order to avoid a potentially expensive employment tribunal.

Can I Sack Apprentices?

Yes. Apprentices are employees just like any other. This means various things. To begin with, it means that they are entitled to the same rights and protections that all other employees enjoy. For example, they are entitled to be paid a certain amount. But it also means that they can be treated like employees in other ways too – so they are not immune from sacking.

It is important to remember, however, that dismissals must be carried out in a manner that is legally valid. If you fail to adhere to the rules when sacking an apprentice (or, indeed, any other employee) you could end up with an expensive tribunal to face.

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On What Grounds Can I Sack an Apprentice?

In order to sack someone legally, you have to establish fair grounds for their dismissal. There is a range of factors that might be considered fair grounds. These include, for example, poor conduct, or an inability to perform the job properly. Fair grounds might also include a legal reason that the apprentice can no longer work – for example if they are a driver and they lose their licence.

In addition, you must be able to show that you have acted reasonably during the course of the dismissal. There is, as yet, no firm legal definition of ‘reasonableness’. But in order for your conduct to be deemed reasonable, you will probably have to fulfil certain criteria. You must, for example, be able to show that you had a genuine and reasonable belief that the grounds for dismissal were fair. You may also have to show that you told the apprentice that you were considering sacking them, and that you gave them adequate opportunity to appeal. You will also be required to show, where applicable, that you conducted a proper and thorough investigation before dismissing them.

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

What Procedures Must I Follow?

Employers are required to have a written set of disciplinary and dismissal procedures. These must be drawn up in accordance with the Acas codes of practice, and they must be provided to all employees. You must follow these procedures at all times.

If you fail to abide by your own procedures, or if you do not have any procedures, you will have a much harder time showing that you have dismissed your apprentice fairly and reasonably. You can get the relevant codes of practice from the Acas website.

What About Fixed Term Contracts?

An apprentice’s contract with their employer normally has a specified length – but it is not legally considered to be a fixed term contract. Indeed, the Fixed Term Employees Regulations exclude apprentices altogether.

In practice, apprentices enjoy many more rights than those offered to a worker on a fixed term contract. If you want to dismiss an apprentice, the onus is on you to show that you are not breaking the terms of your agreement with the apprentice.

This has significant implications for dismissal. If you break the terms of the agreement, the apprentice stands a good chance of being awarded at tribunal all the wages they would otherwise have been paid for the length of the contract. You therefore need to be very careful when it comes to dismissing apprentices.

You should consider making sure that your disciplinary procedures, and what you consider to be fair and reasonable grounds for dismissal, are included in the apprentice agreement. This way you stand less chance of being accused of breaking the contract in the event that you have to dismiss an apprentice for one of these reasons. More information about fixed term contracts and apprentices is available elsewhere on this site.

Dismissal is a difficult process, and one that is fraught with potential legal problems. If you are in any doubt you should seek independent advice before taking action.

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107 questions

Ask An Apprenticeship a Question

AnApprenticeship Editor 18/05/2026 at 9:17 am

@DF That sounds appalling and almost certainly unlawful. Apprentices are employees from day one, so they're entitled to a proper disciplinary process, written warnings and notice. Deducting holiday pay from final wages is also not allowed; accrued holiday must be paid out, not clawed back. Get your daughter to put a written grievance to the employer and complain to the college's apprenticeship lead, then ring ACAS on 0300 123 1100 about possible unfair dismissal and unlawful deductions.

DF 17/11/2023 at 3:26 pm

My daughter called me today at 1130 in tears, she went to work at 830 and was approached by two ladies (the owner of the farm and the college coord) who told her she was not fitting in and therefore was being let go with immediate effect, she was told in addition.she hadn’t updated the WhatsApp group chat (!) when she was going to be be late even just a few minutes in a handful of times due to traffic - I must add she also worked past her working hours on each of these occasions (and many other times due to lift times), she was told she would receive her pay for what she had worked but holiday pay would be deducted as well then dismissed. No warning, no contact, no process followed I am absolutely shocked by owner and the college, college coord had little‘signal’ so could not do anything until week after my daughters father was informed when he contacted her! Disgraceful and clearly being used as cheap labour!

Choo 28/09/2023 at 4:20 pm

My son has been on an apprenticeship, he came home early today to say that his contract had been terminated. His boss had a telephone call from the college he was going to and was told that they didn’t want my son in their college because he was disruptive and had an attitude, baring in mind he has autism, Asperger’s and adhd, which he informed the company on his interview and also his lecturer at college

Ez 08/03/2023 at 9:33 am

My daughter came home from work early yesterday very upset as she had been sacked from her apprenticeship. She went to work that morning and accidentally clipped another employees car in the car park when parking. She had never had an accident before, was shaken and didn't know whose car it was at first. After finding out she told the person, gave all details and said she would pay for repairs. She also told the company Operations Manager what happened. Later that afternoon she was called into a room by the Operations Manager and told 'He has been thinking about it all day and she is sacked'! She was given a letter and told to leave. Surely this is not legal? A car accident is not a company issue. She had been there almost 7 months and had been told she passed her probation.

Ez 08/03/2023 at 9:31 am

Claress 10/08/2022 at 6:27 pm

My daughter come home in tears today after a company took her on a month ago saying that they will teach her accountancy it was a constution company and that it all in the job learning no collage. She had a contract which looked legit. They got rid of her today along with 4 other people saying they don't have the funds to keep her any more. The thing is they are still advertising for apprentices on indeed surely this is not legal? My daughter said all their staff are apprentices. So I'm thinking they are just doing this for money from the government. My question is that is there any one I can talk to about this company has I really don't want this to happen to anyone else? My daughter is vulnerable adult and I feel they took advantage of her.

Upset 17/07/2022 at 10:05 pm

So my son was an apprentice for just over a month. In his first week he told me they were very relaxed in meetings and swearing a lot, I thought this very unprofessional in front of a young apprentice but my son obviously got the idea that people were laid back and because others were swearing he accidentally swore himself one day and got pulled into HR and reprimanded. He put this behind him and just tried to get his head down and do his work. Just recently on a work night out he was being friendly chatting to other members of staff to get to know them better and put his arm around one of his female colleagues for a photo. Fast forward a week and another staff member out that evening has put in a formal complaint about his conduct on the night out and said he was acting inappropriately which he says he was a but drunk friendly but not over the top. Anyway he got pulled in and basically told they were letting him go. I’m so annoyed as at this age surely they are still young and impressionable that should be taken into consideration.

Dylan 13/11/2021 at 8:57 pm

Hi my daughter started a apprenticeship in a office. She was there for 5 weeks when she caught a bug the same time others had covid. She went back to early as she was worried about her job. She vomited and she they sent her home. She was back after 4 days. Now 4 months working there with nothing but good words about her she became ill one Friday the next day she received a letter terminating her role with no explanation. She done a covid test that same day and it came back positive. She followed government rules and didn't put others at risk. Also the head in office said to her obviously must have problems at home. Disgusting. To make those points. Can anything be done about this please help

Grizz 23/08/2021 at 6:56 pm

Hi, my 18 year old grandson was sacked by his firm today. He has been employed with them for the past five months as an apprentice welder Fabricator through his college, Skills Group Plymouth.
Three weeks ago I received a call from his college mentor who told me after talking to the boss of the company that he was doing really well, that they liked him and that he was a hard worker. They also told her that they were pleased they had taken him on.
However, today he was told by that very same boss that he didn’t work hard enough and that he didn’t have enough energy for the job and that he was letting him go.
The lad is completely distraught, he doesn’t know why this has happened. Apparently he has received no warnings, no guidance and nothing from his college to substantiate this dismissal. He thought that he was getting on fine and so did we, his family.
Is this legal, can the employer just do this? Where does my grandson stand with this please?

Nicki 06/06/2021 at 1:20 pm

Hi, My 19 year old son is right at the end of his apprenticeship in mechanical engineering. He gets paid through an apprenticeship agency, not his work. He can do the job fine, but over the last year and a half his mental health has suffered. He was put on medication last august and a couple of weeks off work, but it didn’t help, it just made him worse. The doctor has only just changed his medication to something else, and because he had to ween himself off the other pills before going onto the news ones, he had a breakdown and didn’t turn into work, which was also the day before a family funeral too. His work have been supportive, but the woman from the apprenticeship agency isn’t and until we have a meeting this week (he is not at work). Can she sack him?

Gems 22/02/2021 at 3:56 pm

So my son was on a apprenticeship they have stated he has done something against company guidelines, he posted on Facebook if anyone had any jobs fixing cars outside of work, although they didnt give him the guidelines although they have stated he is at the end of his trial and they don't want to keep him I feel they have done this in the wrong way, I'm all for if they had told him he had done something wrong in his work but he hasn't I feel they have used him for 3 months cheap labour then got rid, anyone got any advise? Thank you

Libra77 29/01/2021 at 7:35 pm

My son started an apprenticeship as an electrician in September he knew the hours would be long and some travelling but in the last couple of months he has been working in London leaving at 5:30am and getting home some nights after 7 as it’s 2 hours away.
This week he was asked by a colleague to stay away mon - fri, working 7:30/8am - 6:30pm as I am writing this he is still not home 7:45pm at 6:00pm he was still at work as they were asked to go to another job elsewhere today after leaving London. He even had to stay up there the previous week which is his college day which is currently online. He had to do his college session and then work when this is finished
How do you suggest we approach this as he is 18 and I want to help him resolve this without embarrassing him. Any advice would be appreciated

Vujju 31/12/2020 at 12:30 am

Hi I was wondering if you could help me what can I do I was starting my apprenticeship in October as a trainee dental nurse and I was doing really good in my work everything was fine but after 2 month one of the dentist complained that I am working slowly and not picking things quickly and asking same things twice as a trainee I feel that I have to always make sure and ask it is right or wrong how is it fair they decided not keeping me in training anymore because I am working slowly? Please help me I am really stressed what should I do?

Dgfarri 17/12/2020 at 8:55 pm

Hello, my daughter is a child care apprentice. Today she was suspended for supposedly treating a child roughly (which she is adamant she did not). The playschool are now investigating her but the manager cried when she suspended my daughter. My daughter has been given no advice just asked to leave until further notice.
I'm concerned they are looking for anything to pin on her.

Linzi 09/11/2020 at 4:26 pm

My daughter as a working interview for apprentice childcare, she's due to go this week, but we are weighing up the pros an the cons, she feels she will benefit more learning wise in the work place rather than college itself, but she's worried as am I, that if she gets offered the apprentice that she's not going to do well an they get rid of her an then its the ball ache of trying to get her back into college to achieve her dreams any help an advice please

A 18/07/2020 at 12:33 am

My boyfriend's apprenticeship, haven't given him time to complete the apprenticeship qualification instead made him work like the other engineers on less pay. His mangers got him to relocate so he could work full time and now is apprenticeship adviser as basically said there is no way he can complete it in time. He can't do it out of hours, it requires special machinery. Will the company sack him? Cancel the apprenticeship? He is three years in what does he do?

Kylie 15/05/2020 at 11:29 am

My Son has been told by his doctor not to go to work due to a health issue which he is having scans, blood tests, urine givin to pathology everyday but he isn't in any pain which my Son hates cause he wants to go to work, he walked a hill with his partner where alot of others do this for exercise a person whom knew my Son told his boss now his boss has told him someone has told me you were walking the hill my Son didn't deny this his boss said lm paying you to be home cause he is paid sick leave, now he has a meeting in the morning which we think he may be laying him off he is a 1st yr diesel mechanic my questions are, can he lay him of over this, and does he need to give written warnings. Thankyou

Lsmith 08/05/2020 at 1:02 pm

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone is able to advise me of the following and how I should proceed. I have recently been laid off work as an apprentice 2 days after being informed that I will be a furloughed worker like everyone else in the business. I was informed via a very short phone call that my employer needs to streamline the business and therefore I have ultimately been sacked, this has left me at a huge financial disadvantage at the age of 18 again having to rely on my parents after 18 months of work is humiliating to say the least, especially when I could have been placed on furlough at no cost to my employer. I have searched the internet for an answer however I cannot find a concrete enough answer. Is anyone available to help at all? Anything is appreciated. Many thanks

Catbar 27/03/2020 at 6:15 am

Hi my daughter has been sacked from her apprenticeship. She was original told she could go onto the 80% pay though due to corona. They then rung her to say whilst she has been home the tidied her desk and found something that hadn't been done so they were sacking her. Surely the point of an apprenticeship is to teach them to do things properly. After 3 months if her work wasnt upto scratch she should of had support. I feel that it is just an excuse due to what is going on (I understand that ehats happening is more important) but she is now left devastated.

josh21 10/03/2020 at 1:18 pm

My boyfriend at level 4 of his electrical apprenticeship 5 months away from qualifying was sacked at the start of the year the day we got back from our holiday over xmas. He wasn't happy in the job as this boss was a huge bully but that was besides the point he put that all to one side knowing that he needed to get qualified so he could just get out of that awful company (but this wasn't the plan!) he knew his boss had some sort of vendetta been sabotaging him for a while as he was putting him on jobs that wouldn't meet his portfolio criteria and putting him with non qualified electricians! so out in out running a completely illegal and unprofessional company. He had tried to look for a new job where he could continue the qualification but he hadn't had any luck so had decided to stay put and just try and get qualified asap so he could leave. We went away over xmas for 3 weeks then on the day we got back he got a phone call from his boss saying 'there was no work' and unfortunately he was going to have to let him go ?! despite he has just taken his younger son on 3 months earlier as a level 1 apprentice and he kept his job.
he was given absolutely no notice whatsoever , no warning nothing and now that's everything just gone all his hard work all his exams gone?
Surely something can be done about this ? he feels like his future has literally just crumbled before his eyes! His college the training provider said that if he couldn't find another company in 30 days then his apprenticeship would have to be terminated so now that's it . 3 years work just gone like that. Does he have any rights what can he do??

Jay 20/12/2019 at 1:02 pm

Hello I have just been dismissed for unauthorised absence from college however I have proof that the days I missed we’re authorised. They also refused to sort out my expenses and this is a big deal to me as I am only 18 and had to drive 128 miles a day to get there and back but nothing was ever sorted can anyone help me

Red stag 27/10/2019 at 1:05 pm

I was placed in an apprenticeship program at the age of 52. I recently found that I had completed my third year 2 and a half months earlier but was never informed. I became ill then my employer took a week off so we have not had any contact for three weeks. I found out from the labor board that my employer requested an extension and recieved one because they said I hadn't completed my required hours. I keep all my stubs a calculated that I had in fact worked well over the required hours. This past year I have been treated with a great amount of disrespect from existing and incoming employees due mainly to constantly being pulled off of jobs in the field to clean buckets and used hand tools in the shop. On several occasions my work was intentionally sabotaged in the field however I never once went to the owners about it but keeping all incidents clearly in mind when I was ever asked . I never was.Due to the these and other issues I am led to believe that my employers Habe no intentions of fulfilling the promises of a significant wage increase but I feel they maybe attempting to somehow keep me from recieving my certificate . I have two questions . First can an employer give me two separate job titles without me being informed in order to minimize my apprenticeship hours? Second where and who can I trust to be my advocate when this all comes to pass?

Nita 04/09/2019 at 6:54 pm

My son has been working with my brother who is self employed, he was injured at work the company are asking when is he coming back( he had to have micro surgery) it has been 4 weeks since he has been in work does he have any rights?

Jude 31/08/2019 at 11:34 pm

My 18yr old son has worked 2 months as a plumbing apprentice for a one man company that college arranged for him. He has been praised for his work skills and time keeping throughout the 2 months. He also did 1 weeks experience with him before hand. Friday the guy sacked my son on the grounds that he is to quiet, when he is watching the guy to see how to do something he has his hands in his pockets and has leaned against a wall. He gets paid monthly at £3.90 an hour, so he has paid him for three weeks he has worked but given no notice or wage for notice. Can he legally do this? College have agreed the guy is wrong and a bombastic person but they have not been supportive in helping with getting my sons money. My son has tested asking for what is owed but no reply. Can anyone give me advice.

Ckcw 27/08/2019 at 10:38 am

Son is 6months into apprentice has been told hasn't past probation period has been given 4 weeks notice where does this leave him can this be done left a levels to start apprenticeship hasnt had a lot of support through apprenticeship including academic side different tutors after all leaving feel has been let down by all sides

Fraz1975 23/07/2019 at 10:50 pm

My son was in his 3rd if his apprenticeship, he went to work as normal today and got sacked now he said that he never had any warning from the company at all! He was told that he was not up to the standard he should be by now even though people high up within the company praised him. What I do know is his department was very quiet work wise he was not giving any warning etc about his performance. As you can imagine am angry and heartbroken

Khuthala 17/07/2019 at 6:33 am

Im doing plumbing apprentice and I was dismissed because i fall to off the zink

Nicdun 13/06/2019 at 12:07 pm

My son is/was in his 2nd year apprenticeship as a mechanic. He took some time off in March as I was in hospital..he was called into the office and called a liar and told that he never attended the hospital..I wrote a letter explaining he had been with me añ his boss said that anyone could have written the letter..
2 months later my son split a run on flat tyre. It had not been put on the customers vehicle and was reported.
His bòss had him I'm the office yet again saying they could sack him, but it would be better for him to hand ìn his notice as he wouldn't get a job anywhere else...he felt bullied and manipulated into handing in his notice...when he got home and explained I told him to phone HR and explain the situation. They said they will investigate but we have hears nothing...is he likely to get his job back?

Nic 01/06/2019 at 5:49 am

My daughter is doing a hairdressing apprenticeship and has just turned 19 therefore entitled to a higher hourly rate. She has just been told that her hours of work will be getting cut to 3 days as they can't afford to pay her full week at higher rate. Is this allowed? They are also advertising for another junior even although they are over staffed. Cheap labour?

Mum 04/05/2019 at 5:11 pm

After 8 months in an apprenticeship my son was told he wasn't the apprentice they were looking for and was given a weeks notice. This being the Friday before his week at college so therefore his last day at work. No reason was given. Have noticed on their website they advertised for 2 more apprentices a month ago. What does he do. Will he be able to get a reference.

mike 22/02/2019 at 2:12 pm

after being sacked from my apprenticeship the day before pay day, I haven't been paid for the work I did before being sacked. Does my former employer still need to pay me or not?

Kevman 04/12/2018 at 9:49 pm

My son is in his 2nd year mechanic apprenticeship. He has failed his driving test 5 times now and I believe it's due to the amounting pressure his boss is heaping on him telling him everyone he goes for his test if you fail it your fired. He now has a test this week and his boss yet again has told him if he fails he's sacked and this time he means it. What can he do

Pod 01/11/2018 at 5:23 pm

My son been on an apprentership for 10 months and sadly got sacked on Monday. This has come totally out of the blue, he has never let the company down. Can they sack him with no warning I.e written or verbal warning? Regards emma

Kaz 04/10/2018 at 6:50 am

My daughter is 20 and has been on an apprenticeship in a small cafe for around three months. She text her employer on Tuesday morning at 08:45 (45 minutes before her start time) to say she wouldn’t be in that day (she has had one day of absence prior to this). She didn’t give a reason and they didn’t ask. They sacked her. Also she worked a week lying on in the beginning and are now saying she won’t receive the weeks pay they owe her because they have to pay £500 to end her apprenticeship early. This can’t be right.

GBM Editor 18/09/2018 at 2:35 pm

@machinehead - your son would have to give Acas a call. But as a rule, you can't claim unfair dismissal unless you have been with your employer for more than two years. But it may be different with apprentices depending upon what sort of apprentice your son is on. Gill<

machinehead 17/09/2018 at 6:48 pm

My son started his plumbing apprenticeship in feb and a course at collage to go with it. He's really enjoying the work and passed year 1 and is now in year 2. His employer, as far as we know, hasn't been paying his N.I. or offered a workplace pension. He isn't given a wage slip and his wage is paid direct into his bank. His working hours are not set, he could be starting at 5am or 10 am he never knows until he gets a text usually after midnight. He has no objection to working extra hours but wants a more structured company to work for. On that he asked collage to look for a placement for him as they have for other's but his boss found out and sacked him on the spot. Advice please.

louise 03/09/2018 at 12:36 pm

hi my son has been doing apprentership at waste management place for past 3 month loved the job was on time everyday no problems at all gets a call this morning hes been sacked on the grounds its not for you is this even legal

mack 18/08/2018 at 12:25 pm

my fiancé has been late to work three times now as an apprentice plumber working for the union . his boss said if he’s late (said this about the third time which happened today) again he will be sent to a different job site. we do not have the funds for him to get to work there because it is so far away from our house a commute option wouldn’t be possible , we also both don’t own cars . is this fair and can he somehow stay at the site he is now ? i don’t know much about it so i would appreciate some insight

AnApprenticeship Editor 17/07/2018 at 12:20 pm

I cannot comment on individual cases. I can only direct you to a whichwhich clarifies further when an employer can dismiss an employee and/or when an employee can claim unfair dismissal. Your son should also speak directly with his apprenticeship provider.

Cd 16/07/2018 at 6:05 pm

Today my son was sacked 3 years into a 4 year joinery apprenticeship his boss issued him with a written warning 3 weeks ago he said that his work was substandard (he has had a lot of personal problems and he let his boss know) but every time he goes to a job he asks how to do anything he gets told you should know or do what you think then they get on to him it’s wrong and when the boss appears at jobs all the boys could be standing he would say hi to all the other boys and say nothing to my son he got the impression he didn’t what him to be there really he has wasted 3 years with this company and now he can’t get a hold of the guy from the citb can they get rid of him after 3 weeks they haven’t given him any time to improve

Coops 09/05/2018 at 10:00 am

I took on an apprentice and signed a 12 months agreement, as the 12 months approached I was informed she had passed pending a couple of loose ends, each month following the training provider kept saying she’s nearly done and we are now 19months into the apprenticeship. I only signed for 12 months and have been told if my apprentice doesn’t make the 62mile round trip at her own expense to their training school she will loose her qual and I (the employer) will have to pay back the £1200 grant to them, I have done extensive research and know that this is wrong, I have put in a formal complaint via phone and email and have heard nothing back even after chasing up daily. What I’d like to know now is am I able to terminate the apprenticeship?

Marie 05/04/2018 at 7:10 pm

My son's 8 months into an engineering apprenticeship, on low apprenticeship money. He's just been told he has to work for another company that supplies the company he's employed by, for a week or two, as the supplying company are short on staff, and struggling to recruit. Is this legal? Can he be made to work for another company (that has no connection with the company he's employed by?) This other company is 30 miles away, so my son will have to work there. He knows nothing about the job, or health and safety there..just that they're desperate for staff.
Is it legal for a company to offer their apprentices to another company?
He was told he'll have to do it, or he's out. There's no union in the place. Any advice would be gratefully received.

AnApprenticeship Editor 09/03/2018 at 11:50 am

Your employer is not expected to pay for your travel too and from work, neither is your training provider. You can speak directly to your employer to say you are having difficulties to see if you can both figure a way around this, but it is not your employer's responsibility. I assume you knew that you would have to travel too and from work when you accepted the position? Plus, researched how this would be possible and/or fit in with your income and expenditure?

Jt 08/03/2018 at 12:56 am

I started with a leak detection company 8 weeks ago and now my trainer is saying that I'm not willing. I normally get picked up about 5am and he doesn't always pick me up to travel to our jobs. Am I expected to travel to his house to then travel to our jobs as we don't have a base in our area? Can I get any help with travelling costs as my wage doesn't cover public transport costs?

Nett 27/02/2018 at 6:48 pm

My son has been on a new apprenticeship since October 2017. His boss has now decided that she wants to change her company from property maintenance to doing new builds and says now she doesn't need an apprentice. Can she just get rid of him?

Aw2001 23/01/2018 at 2:07 pm

I got sacked today,I was 6months into my apprenticeship age 16,there was no justification on why I got sacked only that I need to learn more skills,but that's what an apprentice gets taught while working. I was very hard working(even worked overtime) and did 2 18 hour shifts in the space of 2 weeks,should I have been sacked and shall I complain about the illegal hours,thanks?

Joanne 02/01/2018 at 10:18 pm

Hi, my son is currently completing the second year of a building apprenticeship.
He was asked to work overtime on sat 23rd Dec a non-working day. He agreed but drank too much at a Christmas party and so was unfit for work! He informed his boss who has now told him not to turn in for work at all. He hasn’t been paid since and has requested a meeting which looks like he will be sacking my son! Is this reasonable dismissal?

Teresa 22/12/2017 at 11:10 pm

Hi my son has been working as an apprentice for 3 years. (Industrial electrician) He’s on his final year he only has to go until September. He said he gets bullied on a daily basis and things are getting harder. He wants to learn but the bosses other colleagues are not helping him/showing him. Which therefore means that college one day a week isn’t going well as he’s not learning. He’s learnt bits but should’ve further on with the things in his college work. They keep saying cheap labour etc most of the time he’s on cleaning up duties. They have employed more apprenticeships (who are in fact some of the bosses sons) they have the time and paitence to show them but dont help my son. Even the other apprentices are taunting him etc calling him crap. The bosses keep saying the end is neigh and you won’t last till February. He’s in his final year and I feel like he’s wasted 3-4 years of his life to bring them cheap labour. They send him a training centre where they are all friends with the tutors and they all go out drinking etc so the tutors keep saying stuff to him. They send the other apprentice a proper college. I’ve told him speak up speak to someone above but he said they are all friends and there is no one else he can talk to. The first few years were ok they had other staff that helped him and showed him things but they got rid of them as they said he can do your job now for cheaper. Now he is getting to the stage he can’t take it anymore. The works Christmas do all they do is take the mick out of him. He’s always on time he never uses all his holidays and hardly ever has a day off sickness. Things are becoming unbearable and I keep saying if you leave you won’t have the qualifications and you will not get a job doing it. Which is why he’s stuck it for so long but he can’t take anymore

Jay 23/11/2017 at 9:47 pm

My daughter is 17 years old just left school as she needs to be either in an apprenticeship or training until she 18 years old, she opted for an apprenticeship thinking it would be better then going to college as she would be paid whilst training however she works a full weeks work 37.5 hours then shes expected to do her course work im the evening when she gets home and attend training one Saturday per month, I thought that an apprentice, the work place had to give you a day in lieu once a week to do college/course work.

With doing both she is effectively working more hours than me for £3.50 an hour.

Please can someone inform me of the law for apprenticeship as her boss is now saying that if she can't cope he will get rid of her, if I'm honest it would be a good thing if this is how apprentices are treated and are expected to do

Sharon 17/11/2017 at 8:41 pm

My son is 20 years old he has been sacked today on. the grounds of him and his co worker mucking around on the floor during work however this is done by all staff members on the floor. His supervisor / boss informed him that both his name and his co worker are always being mentioned in the office he had to take action he stated to my son that he was half way through a final written warning and was u.sure if he was gonna sack him or not however he choose to sack him and make an example out of him that there will be a zero tolerance now of mucking about on the floor. His co worker has got away scott free as he has worked there for 2years plus no displinary procedures where followed by this company no warnings where given to either my son or his co worker to stop mucking around .
.Has my son got any rights ?

han 18/10/2017 at 3:33 pm

My boyfriend has a plumbing apprenticeship, he is being underpaid massively. He gets £135.00 a week he started nearly 2 years and has only just started college.

Every time he has brought up his money they has complained and said they cant pay him anymore money or they would have to sack him as he doesn't make enough money for the company.

They complained about him not having driving experience so he got a car and has to pay for this weekly but they are now complaining he isn't buying enough tools even though they told him they would buy him them and he has said he can't afford a car and tools with the money he is on!

I need advise on what to do because it is making him really upset as they are making him upset as they make snide comments about him.

AnApprenticeship Editor 17/10/2017 at 3:32 pm

If your son is no longer an apprentice, then he should no longer be receiving an appenticeship wage and should be on the national minimum wage for his age. Your son should speak with his boss directly regarding this matter to see where he stands.

Steph 13/10/2017 at 2:14 pm

Hi there,

I have been informed by my sons tutor that his boss has cancelled my sons apprenticeship as a sous chef ages ago, as he is not competent enough. But he is still working there under the assumption that his apprenticeship is still ongoing. He is 19 years old. Should his wages then have been changed to minimum wage for his age bracket instead of the apprentice wage?
Many thanks
Stephanie

Dot 07/10/2017 at 1:46 pm

I was on an apprenticeship at an electrical retailer. I have been offered no college or coursework just working in the shop for a year as an "apprentice". I have been driving all over the country doing deliveries alone and left the handbrake off of the van which consequently crashed so I have been sacked. Should I have been driving at 18 on my own as I have only held my licence for a few months

JLaw 07/10/2017 at 10:18 am

Hi my daughter has been dismissed from her apprentiship at a hair salon. She has been there since may last year. She went in to work as normal this morning and when she got there the boss asked to speak to her. He said he was letting her go due to her attitude and the way she spoke to other members of staff yet also mentioned that he might not have the budget for her but then didn't mention anymore about budget then said he was happy for her to carry out the rest of her shift if she wanted (she said she'd rather not) is this the correct way of dismissing an apprentice

n/a 01/10/2017 at 12:41 am

My daughter has been sacked from her work placement in a hair salon for being " too quiet". There is no evidence nor previous official warnings on this matter. She was one month in to her three month probation period of her apprenticeship. I feel she has been treated unfairly and would like to involve my union solicitor but am unsure on the law for apprentices,where does she stand legally?

AnApprenticeship Editor 14/09/2017 at 11:48 am

You can make a claim to an employment tribunal if you think someone has treated you unlawfully, such as your employer, a potential employer or a trade union, please here .

Jack 13/09/2017 at 10:29 am

Hi I have been sacked from an apprentiship today and ilafyer treading this page I think I may be entitled to take them too a tribunal
How do I go about this is there anywhere I can speak to to help me figure out if I have a case

Elliott 04/09/2017 at 4:02 pm

I have been sacked today due to late course work on my nvq with no warnings what am I entitled to?

Westy 30/08/2017 at 10:27 pm

My girlfriend was sacked today she worked with the nursery for a month and they said the reason they scaled her was because she had just recently did her GCSEs and got low grades on them and apparently it wasn't good enough for them is this legal? After all she did complete her level 2 childcare course in college and she wanted to do level 3 apprenticeship with the nursery

Michelle 23/08/2017 at 1:01 am

My son has just been told his apprenticeship is being terminated after being with a large IIP company! After being with them 3 years he is 3 weeks from being fully qualified with his last exam being 15/9 and no reason given. He has an excellent work record. No sickness or lateness. Nothing in writing or done formally. Appalling. Where does he stand.

Dog 18/08/2017 at 5:59 pm

My apprentice wants to leave after 12weeks for a completly diff job he hasnt said when hes leaving as waiting new job start date .he was due to start collage in sep can i give him 2 weeks notice as need to find new app ready for collage in sept for new start up buisness ? Thanks

Unsworth1996 18/08/2017 at 5:13 pm

Hi i got dismissed from my apprenticeship today and I only started Monday 14th Aug 2017 and it was 9-5 Monday - Thursday. Today was 9-3 and I was told I was struggling with the training so why start me on the actual job and I've found out I won't be payed for the hours I have done is this right ?

Fi 13/08/2017 at 9:44 pm

Hi, my daughter is in her 11th month of a 1 year apprenticeship in catering (bar and waitressing work). Her hours frequently change and she often works extra hours when required. However she had asked her manager if she could finish a couple of hours early tonight, at 6pm instead of 8pm (it's her 18th birthday tomorrow and she was going for a meal with her boyfriend who is working away tomorrow) which her boss had agreed to. However she was then told today that she couldn't finish early. This isn't the first time he has gone back on agreements at short notice. When 6pm came and she was ready to leave he withheld her pay as she had let them down. She then fled in tears and is very upset. Her boss has text this evening telling her to go in tomorrow at 10am for a serious chat. As Monday is her only day off and tomorrow being her birthday, I've told her she's not going there tomorrow, I will ring and explain and she will go in Tuesday AM. Can he withhold her pay? She's worried she's going to get sacked. I feel she's being bullied and I suspect that as she's 18 tomorrow they don't want to up her wage! Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Connie1989 13/08/2017 at 11:01 am

Hello my daughter worked as an apprenticeship in London and has been dismissed because she just found out she was anemic and was very fatigued....she has been put on iron tablets twice a day and two different medications. She explained this to her employer but he still let her go...she has been with the company for 6 months

Wazzle 31/07/2017 at 12:27 pm

My son has been an apprentice for 2 months now and has just been sacked for not giving best performance,told to leave there and then, can they do that

Reganroo 03/07/2017 at 8:43 pm

Hi I was in a warehouse apprenticeship since November 4th 2016 today July 3rd 2017 I was dismissed the reason being that my probationary period had come to an end and they no longer think I can do the job, the other apprentice who started at the same time as me was also told the same. We have never been told our work wasn't good enough, infact we have always been told we were doing a good job. Where do we stand on what is right?

Sheba 12/06/2017 at 12:42 pm

My son has been doing a apprenticeship for 6 mths he has just been sacked due to some stupid reasons
He failed 1 exam at tafe( he can resit the exam ) he has only had 4 Vista to tafe
Also not beening able to be sent out to jobs on his own
Making mistakes
His boss feels he don't really enjoy the job
He made a mistake and cut one wrong live wire but rang his boss straight away and told him (no supervision )
My son has turned up for work every day offers to stay back anytime to help
Try s very hard
Took on more learning with a tutor
Has learned some of the tasks
Admits he stuffs up sometimes
What can we do about this down grading problem
Lin

Helen 09/05/2017 at 9:11 pm

My daughter started an apprenticeship last year (2016), she has completed 7 months of an 18 month apprenticeship. Her employer has just sacked her, he praised her work, said she was brilliant but he could not afford to pay her or give her the appropriate help/training/guidance to complete her apprenticeship. Is he allowed to do this?

Alisha 27/04/2017 at 6:39 pm

Hi,

So I started a H&SC L2 apprenticeship in a GP surgery on the 1st March 2017 however my manager had a meeting today (27/04/17) notifying me with mistakes which I have made and learnt from she is concerned from feed back from the nurse I work along side I have no interest in the role as it's a big role. I feel as if I'm doing as much as I can to learn step by step and now I try stay more active during consultation and try perform to show I am capable and I am trying to understand the role more and what is expected? Can I get advice or help? My manager is giving me until 9th may when my assessor is coming out and she said depending on feedback she will let me know then if I lose my job? What can I do?

AnApprenticeship Editor 11/04/2017 at 3:00 pm

You can be dismissed if you have a persistent or long-term illness that makes it impossible for you to do your job, please see gov.uk whichHowever, if you think your dismissal is unfair, then you may wish to give ACAS a ring to see if you have any apprenticeship rights.

Kayleigh barwise 11/04/2017 at 1:27 pm

Hi I started my apprentiship in October and now my employer wants to sack me because of my ill heath. I work as a business administration for a building firm. Is this reason justified.

Hack 02/04/2017 at 7:53 pm

Hi my son is on a apprenticeship with a brick laying firm they are trying to send him.to Scotland to work they expect him.to travel alone down there and pay for his own train fare he's told them.he no longer wants to work there but has offered to work his months notice but only on the ma chseter site but his boss has told him not to come back unless he is going to go Scotland where dose he stand thanks

juls 02/09/2016 at 10:02 pm

My daughter started apprenticeship 2months ago,she's learned a lot in this time,but obviously doesn't know everything,as shes still learnin,the boss called her in ofice an found him quite intimidating,when asking her question,she answers as best as she can,but tell her then to stop talking,calls her thick,tell her she's not doin her job properly,he's says she got voices in her head telling her to do one thing,my daughter sed she only does wat shes told to do by a member of the company,he tells her you care bout ur hair n make up,but need to care bout the company like she does her hair,she does everything she's told,an if shes unsure of something,she asks,then they say do it urself,she's jus joined a union to represent her,she feels the way he speaks to her is he's degrading her,he called her in office again,and this time with a witness he was being there,they was both sitting there laughing at her call in her thick,sayin She has to pull her socks up or she's out,he asked her way does sevarel mean,she explained it's more than 2,and wat it mean,as she sed her bfriend explained it b4,he sed ur boyfriend is thick to ,and sed to her tell him to ring I tell him,n they were both laughin him n the witness,its disgusting how she's been treated,can they get away with this? By the way,she's never late,and never has time off,

Jkp 17/08/2016 at 8:37 pm

Hi my daughter was in a hair dressers as a apprentice, she has recently bin sacked by text message is this a legitimate way off being sacked or is there anything she can do about this?

ni 15/07/2016 at 9:35 pm

I was joined in October 2016 for apprenticeship from maruti suzuki.
today I can not access to entry into company for perform the job.
Last two-day I was informed leave to my superiors.
now I want to do Diploma in mechanical engineering from BTE Delhi & resign the apprenticeship from msil.
Regards

Louise 06/07/2016 at 7:28 pm

My 17 year old has just been sacked on a apprenticeship. He has been given a verbal warning, but no written then an instant dismissal. As a minor i feel that there should have been contact with parents to resolve the issues before they got to the stage they did. Do we have a legal right with this matter.

AnApprenticeship Editor 16/06/2016 at 1:38 pm

I can only suggest you give ACAS a call regarding the details and legality of this.

oilman 15/06/2016 at 3:39 pm

Hello with the oil industry taking massive hits here in Scotland there are many apprentices who have gone through the opito technician scheme who after 2 years in college and 2 in work based area, having completed their apprenticeship find no permanent job. This is tough. However in some areas third year apprentices are this week being shown the door and not being given an option to complete their crucial onsite 4th year. This can't be legal - please comment. and what can they do as a first step to right this? Best regards

yogie 01/03/2016 at 11:11 am

My sister she is a nannny she worked a month this was her second month as she was single she just move out of her abusive boyfriend then she slept two days no food she took 1 tined beans and 3 pampers then she told the husband and he said its ok but she was suprised her boss said you are a thief i dont need you here with no pay is this fair?

JF 24/02/2016 at 8:11 am

Hello. I joined a company in august 2015 as an apprentice. At first everything seemed ok. They had me in for a "trial week" as they called it and I actually got paid cash in hand! This seemed a little funny but didn't worry about it and just knuckled down. They gave me the job and now 5 months later I'm still on a "trial period" with no contract of employment. I'm not too sure where I stand in all this as I haven't got a contract but they are trying to fire me for being genuinely unwell even tho I've done so well with them so far. The boss seems to switch between getting me to do extras like designing posters for the shop and giving me a pat on the back to going mad because I had one day off. He said to me well you obviously can't work 6 days and blamed the illness on my stomach (because I have ibs) although it had nothing to do with that. Not only all of this but the company is only small. 5 full time staff of which 2 including myself are apprentices. 2 of the remaining 3 are mobile support technicians so its just me another apprentice and one full time (fully paid) employee. I don't see this should work as I thought apprentices where supposed to just slip in sort of like if we wasn't there the company could still function? Am I right? Please help waiting to hear back from my boss on wether or not I'm sacked!!!

Tiff_farrell 13/02/2016 at 11:29 am

Started my apprenticeship at the beginning of August for Beauty therapy. I am also a qualified hairdresser so the salon I applied for wanted me to be doing both hairdressing and beauty therapy with them. Now 6 months on I don't know any beauty therapy. So I asked my boss if she could sort my hours out so I was doing more beauty as I was falling behind in collage. And has given me a two week notice to get a new placement and has bullied me out of the salon with saying horrible things to other members of staff, and to my face. Is there any think I can do?

Tiggerley 06/02/2016 at 8:29 am

My son had been on an joiners apprentaship for two years now, and has just been sacked for lateness, he's never had writer warning before this and the lateness has been due to his grandad having cancer and then he died, they docked him £80 from his wages a few weeks ago for being late by 5 mins

AnApprenticeship Editor 28/01/2016 at 12:37 pm

This does not sound legal. However, I suggest your daughter gives ACAS a call as you will be able to speak to someone directly who can obtain more details regarding the dismissal and will advise her if the dismissal could be deemed unfair.

Lisap 27/01/2016 at 6:57 pm

My daughter has been working for a company for 2months as a business apprentice she has never had a contract and was promised to go to day release college this has never happened .Today she and her work colleagues received their pay slips she was 125 pounds down in her wages so she asked the payroll department if this was correct she also asked her line manager he asked his boss and was told to get rid of her she was then dismissed . Is this legal?

JR 30/11/2015 at 1:38 pm

My boyfriend, completing a apprenticeship in dance, has been sacked via text message and been blamed on being late and to save their friendship (His bosses and his).. Is this legal? Can we appeal? does she have had to go through the Board that fund her to have apprenticeships?

Nunny 25/10/2015 at 9:12 pm

My son has just completed his 2nd year as an apprentice joiner he has never had a training plan and often being used as a labourer a grond worker and painter they have just finished him on the grounds he is not making progress is this legal as it doesn't seem right to me

bear 13/10/2015 at 4:42 pm

My son has been in an apprenticeship for six weeks he was been picked up by his colleagues in the works van each morning. ..today they didn't turn up when he rang the depot the manager told him he was no longer required. ..is this legal ?

KT 25/09/2015 at 8:25 pm

I turn 19 in october and have just finished my first level apprenticeship in hairdressing. Should my wage now be risen to the NMW instead of the apprentice wage or would it change when i turn 19?
Thanms

AnApprenticeship Editor 04/09/2015 at 10:10 am

I am sorry to hear this when he is so close to completing his course. I think in this case it is advisable to give ACAS a call in order to speak with someone directly about his rights and about his lack of on-the-job training. Please make sure you read the terms and conditions of his contract regarding training before you contact ACAS, so you have the information to hand. You can access the ACAS site via whichI hope this helps.

La 03/09/2015 at 12:21 pm

My son is doing an apprenticeship in vehicle mechanics, he has about 3 months to go before he qualifies. In all the time he has been with this company he has had no one teaching or training him. He has spoken with the college and with his employer over the last 3 years and nothing has been done about it. Everything he knows he has googled to do the job. Now a problem has arisen that he did not do a job properly on a vehicle and he has now been told an investigation into his work will be done and he may loose his job. Please advise the procedures to follow in order for him not to lose this apprenticeship when he is so close to finishing

Sian Fitzgerald 01/07/2015 at 11:53 pm

I have been an apprenticeship for painting and decorating just over 2months now, i already informed my college i was unhappy with the way they treated me and poor health and safety regulations i wasn't provided any PPE,standing on a trestle then 3 bricks as i was too small to reach this tall tight area in the ceiling i have photographs which i have shown the college, left on my own as the person i was working with would leave me to do one job then drive somewhere else to do another job,i was doing over time nearly ever day and when i never the boss wasn't happy which i dont understand as over time is optional, i had 2 days off due to being ill and today i got a text saying i had to ring my boss all he said to me was he "dont need me anymore inform your college"no explanation no warning or anything that was it I'm going to ring my college tomorrow what to do next , is there anyone i can inform as i would like to take this further?

Kel 24/06/2015 at 6:26 pm

Hi my apprentiship came to an abrupt end when my employer said they no longer wanted me, this was done by text ,no reason other then they said they we're cutting there numbers down, they wanted me to work the following week as my last week. is this legal

LauraMarie 16/06/2015 at 4:29 pm

My Brother, aged 20 now, started his apprenticeship nearly 2 years ago with a local plumbing company in morley, leeds, through meeting through my grandparents.

He started his apprenticeship, attending his place of work and college once or twice a week to complete the exams and course work. The boss had absolutely no complaints and would even ask my brother to "dog sit" at his house for weeks and weekends whilst he would jet off abroad etc. which was never a problem for my brother.

However, in the process it would be explained how his boss was a real jackel and hyde and would switch from moods on daily and hourly basis'.

Recently, his boss advised, infront of his other colleagues that he has those two now who are full time and older, so he will be letting him go! there was no explination give, no disaplinary and he was advised he would get 1 weeks' pay.
Upon trying to get some sense out of his boss he was met with abuse, as were other family members trying to do the same thing.

We have tried ACAS and CAB. However because he has been there less than 2 years, out by a month or a few weeks. He has no grounds to take his ex employer to a tribunal and they are basically not interested.

It has come to light though that whilst my brother was working there and sent to various jobs, his ex employer was in fact interviewing other apprentices to take on and introducing them to the team members. It is very apparent that the ex employer was very aware of what he was planning all along, and that research may have played a part in knowing to sack him before his 2 years term!

What an absolute joke! and the Government wonders why they loose and dont take on apprenticeships as much now! because the poor apprentices have no legs to stand on in these situations! he is now without any work and awaiting his qualifications before he can set up on his own or join another firm in the same area of work!

Nisky 29/04/2015 at 7:50 pm

Does anybody know if trainee solicitors serving an apprenticeship contract can be dismissed without following ACAS procedure?

AnApprenticeship Editor 02/03/2015 at 10:53 am

@Wally - as specified in the article, he employers must be able to show that they have acted reasonably during the course of the dismissal. Your comments are a little confusing, so in this case and in order to ascertain whether the dismissal has been fair then you should contact Acas via whichI hope this helps.

Wally 26/02/2015 at 3:57 pm

My daughter has been an apprenticing commercial business for the last six moth. It was her probationary period this week and they have sent her home this afternoon before her working day ends stating she has not had the support within the company and it's know fault of her own. Surely this is unfair dismissal???

AnApprenticeship Editor 11/02/2015 at 1:02 pm

@joshy - You can be dismissed if continuing to employ you would break the law and/or were unable to do your job properly because if it. So for instance if you are a driving instructor and you lose your licence. I hope this helps.

joshy 11/02/2015 at 12:40 am

Am in my 2nd year diesel fitting apprenticeship and am on restricted licence due to losing points, I now have 2 points on my licence , is my boss able to sack me if I lose my licence.

blossom99 17/11/2014 at 6:37 pm

To anyone that has been sacked from their apprenticeship your first port of call should be your education provider. If they are unable to support you then visit your local CAB for advice. Do not allow your employer to treat you unfairly because they have deemed you to not be showing enough enthusiasm or for slouching. There role is to support and train you. Do not take this sitting down.

Dinger 16/11/2014 at 5:25 pm

I am a 17 year old soon to be 18. After only 1 month I have been dismissed from my apprenticeship as a personal trainer, however, I am not quite sure why! I wasn't given any warnings, verbal or written, regarding my conduct or work ethic or ability. the managers explaination was that he didn't feel that I had the passion for the job and that I slouched when on reception! ?? do I have grounds for a tribunal?
Please could someone respond as I'm unsure what to do next.

Vanessa Wallis 18/10/2014 at 12:44 pm

Should an apprentice be given a warning before being dismissed

lucee 22/09/2014 at 7:14 pm

myself and a work colleague have booked a trip to new zealand, i gave the employer 2 months notice to work, ( end of october ) they have now terminated my apprenticeship at the end of september, are they legally able to do this.

Dem 25/06/2014 at 12:48 am

I started an apprenticships a little over a month ago during this time my manager got sacked. so that side of the business got put on hold. I was then given work on a different department that didn't co inside with the NVQ that I originally signed up for . I have today been told that there is no longer a position for me. They have said I can work till the end of the month and will be paid up until then. Is this legal and if not what should I do? I have just turned 18. Date of birth 23/05/96

happy meal 08/08/2013 at 11:24 am

Iv been in an apprenticeship with a company for 3-4 months, for the first few months we didn't have an immediate manager and I made a lot of progression. We now have a new manager and she has recently told me that she has to let me go because I'm 'not good for the company' what I don't understand is that Iv been waiting for training so that I can contribute to the company that she should have arranged, she hasn't given me any warnings verbal or written, she has stopped me from learning parts of the business then tells me that I'm not good enough for the company. Is there anything at all I can do to turn this back round on her?

bobo 15/05/2013 at 7:51 pm

I have just been informed by my boss that i may be sack next week due to the fact am not obtaining the information to do my job as am a apprentice can my boss do this they give me a warning today but this is my first warning can someone comment back thanks

robert 25/03/2012 at 9:50 am

Will I be sacked if I need time of as I have broken my shoulder bone so I will need time of.

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