On Tuesday, July 2, 2013 8:10:31 PM UTC+1, David P wrote:

At one time the apprentice would pay to learn from the master so, on

balance, its not a bad deal really.

They still do, in effect.
The wages won't keep anyone clothed, fed and housed, so they're dependent on Mum & Dad for subsidies.

My son's employer had a big hike in insurance premiums. because he had an apprentice on the sites.

We had tp pay that or he wouldn't have had a job.