Bee Farmers apprenticeship scheme

[Easy Beesy]

I know a 50 year old desperate to join this scheme but he'd never pass for 24. Any jobs for twice the age with twice the common sense?

 

[Hivemaker.]

I know a 50 year old desperate to join this scheme but he'd never pass for 24. Any jobs for twice the age with twice the common sense?

I think it is only 16 to 21 years old now, so no hope really.

 

[Easy Beesy]

Well if he'd no pass for 24 he'll no pass for 21 either!

 

[Ely]

Don't suppose it is open to 31 year olds?

 

[tudor bees]

Its a good scheme the BF have put a lot of time into it, but as the average age of a bee farmer keeps pushing up they need to bring it down a bit. So they need to pass on all that experience. But for £100 a week for 37hrs you will need to be keen. Good on them I say qq

 

[VEG]

£100 for 37 hours is scandalous no wonder no one wants to come into the trade

 

[Swarm]

£100 for 37 hours is scandalous no wonder no one wants to come into the trade

You should see what my son just picked up for six weeks work. People are so quick to criticise youngsters for not wanting to do certain jobs. These youngsters have to base their future plans on these hand outs that barely cover commuting costs.

 

[VEG]

There was a big fuss made when the likes of tescos did it

 

[Swarm]

It ain't pay, it's pocket money. Disgraceful.

 

[Chris B]

But for £100 a week for 37hrs you will need to be keen.

That's quite a bit shy of the actual figure. Perhaps you're thinking of the national minimum wage for under-19 apprentices in their first year? The BFA scheme is actually subject to the national minimum wage just like any other job, and the BFA have recommended paying higher in all communications I've seen.

 

[Chrisfnvs]

I think it is a minimum of £179.00 per week 52 weeks a year for a duration of three years, some are offering accommodation with it and i believe it is open to up to 24 year old`s, of course the bee farmer could pay the Apprentice more if he/ she so desires, as most bee farmer will know there is not a vast fortune to be made from bee farming its a tough life.

 

[VEG]

That still works out at £4.83 an hour and that assumes a 37 hour week

 

[Chrisfnvs]

That still works out at £4.83 an hour and that assumes a 37 hour week

Agreed Veg but that is a minimum figure, if the Apprentice is lucky enough to land a apprenticeship with on of our richer bee farmers it could be a lot more, and if they are prepared to work hard and learn fast who knows a share in the honey crop or a bonus of some kind !

 

[Tdod]

most apprentices pay is poor in most walks of life its just a way of gaining the experience to go on and do well at your chosen occupation...

 

[VEG]

Sorry but just because that's how it used to be shouldn't apply here. It is far below the minimum wage.

 

[Hivemaker.]

It is far below the minimum wage.

You have to pay the minimum hourly wage according to age, or more.

 

[Chris B]

Take a reality check VEG.
The scheme is subject to the National Minimum wage, which is age related and based on hours worked:

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

So for example a 20 year old is entitled to a minimum of £5.03 per hour.
The BFA scheme does not dictate that an employer cannot pay more, and is in fact not dictating anything. The actual rate paid would be negotiated between employer and employee. Nobody is being forced into an apprenticeship.

 

[VEG]

I am being realistic. Do you consider those wages realistic?
Would you work for those wages?
Some may pay more and they should.

 

[Chris B]

Would you work for those wages?

I think I possibly am.

 

[Tdod]

when I was an apprentice in the construction industry and it is not that many years ago the pay was about £50 i was lucky and had a good boss who helped me out at times with a bit of extra money but thinking back I worked really hard so he got his moneys worth, I dont think when you are young there is a lot of choice.....

you get a career out of it if you want one