Not a smart move on your part. By all means have contempt for some of
the apprentices, but don't forget they get paid peanuts, and are easily
dismissed.

They get paid what they're worth

In this case the apprentice would have little trouble in claiming
constructive dismissal, plus reasonable expenses to get home.

As a nation we need to stop pussy footing around these kids, it does
them no favours. It's a tough world out there and you need to get your
arse in gear very early to not end up on the scrapheap