"Terry Casey" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...

On 05/12/2019 22:16, Terry Casey wrote:

Why doesn't your boss give potential apprentices a simple test
to find out if they have even the slightest knowledge of the
subject they wish to be paid to learn about?

For example:

1. What is the UK mains voltage?
2. What are the colours of the wires in a 3-core mains lead?
3. [Line drawing of the inside of a 13A plug.]

On the drawing, using the letters C, E, F, L & N, show the
Live, Neutral and Earth connections and the position of the
Fuse and Cable clamp.

ISTM such questions would test how much they /already/ know - which
could vary enormously through chance (eg whether or not they had a
parent who did stuff).

Surely any school leaver who wants to be trained for such a
job should be able to show that they already have a grasp of
basic principles?

Not necessarily anymore with those who have no idea
about what they want to do after school and someone
suggests that it's a decent job with a continuing future.

What the employer wants to know* is whether or
not they have what it takes to /become/ an electrician. I'd have
thought that was better assessed by testing things all school leavers
ought to know - e.g. basic arithmetic, algebra and comprehension.

I would agree but I didn't set out to write the complete test!


Oh, and a test based on a 13A plug would also tend to put recent
immigrants at a disadvantage so arguably unlawful as indirect racial
discrimination.

Assuming a European immigrant, wiring colours were harmonized
50 years ago. And are you suggesting that an immigrant from
anywhere interested in becoming an electrician would not have
bothered to find out how to fit UK plugs to any equipment they
bought with them?

More likely that they don't realise that Unwired color use is different
to where they come from because they didn't bring any with them.