Oy Vey, With respect Johan, a public posting by yourself does by its nature allow anyone to enquire about the particulars therein, myself included. As such I have asked politely for you to clarify various points. My “beef”, since you rhetorically asked (yes I recognise the irony), is this. I have issue in the way you have (IMHO) misled and thinly disguised your attempt to procure income for yourself under the guise of “Apprenticeship”. Now before I am accused of slander, trolling or being a saboteur of skills development, let me explain. It seems highly irregular that you as a person offering training courses in bicycle mechanics is acting as recruitment agent for “a commissioning bike shop in Johannesburg”. Surely if you are not offering the apprenticeship, this advertorial should have been placed by the employer? How you are involved at all is irrelevant, unless the employer felt the need to qualify that the course you offer is of a recognised standard that would be attractive. Perhaps an example would help. “Hi all Hubbers, My name is Blah and I own Blah Bicycle Shop in Johannesburg. We have been in operation since Blah and have a proud history of service excellence, competitive pricing and unmatched technical bicycle knowledge. This year we were nominated by Blah Magazine as South Africa’s No1 bicycle retailer. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all aspiring bicycle mechanics to apply for the 2 apprenticeship positions we have created in our business. This apprenticeship will run for 6 months, commencing on January 1st 2013 in Johannesburg and the ideal candidates should meet the following; 1. Have a Grade 12 with English as a first language. A diploma from a Technical College is also acceptable. 2. Have a passion for bicycle maintenance and repair. 3. Understand that qualification for apprenticeship is subject to an initial 2 month training period held by Johan Borman at Yellow Saddle Cycles. This training is world class and is Blah category 5 accredited. We are proud to be associated with Johan who has a 100% pass rate. 4. Understand that the above-mentioned training is subject to a fee of Rxxxx which will be paid by yourself. Should you pass the course, we will fully refund you this fee on acceptance of your apprenticeship position. 5. Understand that as apprentice you will work Monday through Friday (9-4) and every alternate Saturday. 6. Understand that as apprentice you will be working for a minimum wage of Rxxx for the 6-month period. 7. Blah, blah, blah…. If you feel that you meet these requirements and would blah, blah, blah, please send a copy of your CV and motivational letter to me at blah@blah.co.za I look forward to hearing from you, soon. Sincerely, Blah.” You see Johan, with the example above there has been no confusion created about the invitation and expectations by the employer. Candidate selection has been assigned to the appropriate person. Your involvement has been put in a positive light. Please understand that I applaud and champion any skills development or transfer of knowledge within the local bicycle industry. I believe that all bicycle retailers could befit from higher skilled client service. Empowered and skilled staff are critical, however I respectfully reject your sentiments that you are somehow doing the local industry a huge favour by metering out arbitrary criteria and vague hope of employment to the work seeking public (and their parents) to join your “apprenticeship”.
