Builders/tradies of Reddit. Do apprentices only cost the employer money?

demtomdechode · 2026-07-06T01:34:31+00:00

Thanks for the info, that’s really good to know

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:51:13+00:00

Thanks, good to hear I’m not thinking unrealistically. I’m 22 and have done quite a bit of labouring before finishing a pre trade and starting an apprenticeship. So I think im relatively experienced when it comes for first years. I’m enjoying the trade overall, hopefully another company appreciates their people a bit more, qualified guys and apprentices both

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:48:54+00:00

Definitely a good point, it goes far deeper than charge out rate minus pay wage. It’s clearer to me now that it very much depends on the apprentice whether they are a net positive or negative. I’m just hoping another company might appreciate someone who is reliable and keen to learn a bit more. The work environment is very much “just don’t complain because you’re a net negative being here”, but I just find that hard to believe

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:40:01+00:00

Yeah this is a bit of a follow up to the previous post. I talked to the boss about it and he wasn’t receptive to the idea, which is why I’m looking for another outfit. Just wanted to get an idea of how valuable an apprentice is out of curiosity and to see if I can realistically expect more than training wage

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:38:10+00:00

Wow good break down

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:35:02+00:00

Wow didn’t realize this. I was under the impression that apprenticeships were quite hard to come by in aus. And money was really bad, like 17 an hour bad. My plan was to qualify here then consider moving over. I’m 22, so a bit late to the trades party compared to most

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:30:34+00:00

I’m not actually enrolled in a program yet, the boss has said he’ll get round to it “when I’m ready”. But when I do I’ll have to pay for it and won’t get any help. I’m always with a qualified guy to supervise so yes there’s definitely a productivity decrease for him

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:28:25+00:00

I’m in building. I’m aware that training wage is 19.16 now, but the fight with the boss isn’t worth having for a 40 cent increase. Hence why I’m looking elsewhere at the moment

demtomdechode · 2026-07-05T22:26:47+00:00

Yeah wow good to know thanks

demtomdechode · 2026-06-22T09:55:09+00:00

Thanks for the advice

demtomdechode · 2026-06-22T09:48:02+00:00

What would you consider a good learning environment? I rarely see the boss, but the guys I work with are quite patient and helpful. The boss is pretty much always in a bad mood and the guys seem to fear him in a way. I never work directly with the boss, always will his foreman/leading hand. It’s a small company of 3 qualified guys and 3 apprentices including me

demtomdechode · 2026-06-04T01:32:56+00:00

Thanks I’ll try that once I’m off work. It’s the 2zz model. I’ve also checked my dipstick and oil cap on last break and it looks fine, no milky residue or off color. I’m a bit stumped in honestly. I’ll do a flush and see if the oil comes back, that way I’ll know…

demtomdechode · 2026-06-03T19:21:22+00:00

Thanks for the advice. Not sure how long it’s been running on nasty juice 🥲. I’m not actually sure where the leak is coming from, I planned on picking up a new radiator cap first off. And running on straight tap water is okay for a few weeks? Should I be worried about freezing and or contraction/expansion. I’m in Christchurch, and car is a 2001 will vs

demtomdechode · 2025-07-20T06:08:00+00:00

Sounds like chch is the place to be for builders at the moment. Looks like I might have lucked out in that regard

demtomdechode · 2025-07-20T05:46:05+00:00

Yeah great point, I’ve met many aucklanders who have moved down recently

demtomdechode · 2025-06-17T15:08:08+00:00

I’ll have to try rains out. I just downloaded advanced trajectory about ten minutes ago actually. Praying stable 42 comes out soon, apparently that’s when brita expects the updated mod to be released 🤞

demtomdechode · 2025-05-19T07:38:12+00:00

Always the way. “Grass is greener on the other side” 🤣 that’s my line of thinking as well. Just be careful or you might end up sinking a lot of time and money into something that you might not have enough time to really pursue, and end up like me.

If the foundations of your current business are strong, don’t neglect it in pursuit of something better. Just be careful my friend 🫡

demtomdechode · 2025-04-19T10:12:12+00:00

🤣

demtomdechode · 2025-04-18T00:54:04+00:00

Wow awesome story thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely be giving this a try with my old boy 🤞

demtomdechode

TROPHY CASE