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Calvin Asks: How do I deal with a bad boss?

CalvinTheEngineer
I started a job with an Electrician as an apprentice a few months ago. I'm 19 and finished college last summer. The man I'm working for is cutting corners, bodges stuff in and doesn't seem to care that he could be putting peoples lives and homes at risk. When I've questioned him on stuff that I think is wrong, he just fobs me off and says that I need to learn and no one ever strictly follows the regulations anyway. I'm scared if something goes wrong, I'll get the blame too.


I want to find someone else to work for but I'm worried he'll make it difficult for me? What can I do?


Junior spark - Dorset

 
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  • 0
    In the real world an electrician needs to make a profit, and customers all want a cheap job, so sometime we just chuck in a cable, such as in a loft where it is not seen and do not bother to clip it neatly. As long as it is not covered by loft insulation that may cause overheating then all is well. Out of sight out of mind. BUT if a safety issue is involved than that is a totally different matter, such as a lack or earthing, lack of an essential R.C.D., undersized cables etc.


    How bad is the work that the electrician is doing? Is it likely to start a fire or give an electric shock? Or is it just untidy and not a neat install?


    It is best of course that it complies with B.S. 7671 and is neat and safe. I do not agree with substandard work that can cause fires or shocks, or is unreliable.


    Possibly the experienced electrician is doing things the right way as expected today in this competitive world. You are new and the work may be below your expectations but you are still learning, in many ways.


    If you are really not happy then leave and find a new employer. Or just bide your time and learn what you can before moving on.


    Bye,


    Z.


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  • 0
    In the real world an electrician needs to make a profit, and customers all want a cheap job, so sometime we just chuck in a cable, such as in a loft where it is not seen and do not bother to clip it neatly. As long as it is not covered by loft insulation that may cause overheating then all is well. Out of sight out of mind. BUT if a safety issue is involved than that is a totally different matter, such as a lack or earthing, lack of an essential R.C.D., undersized cables etc.


    How bad is the work that the electrician is doing? Is it likely to start a fire or give an electric shock? Or is it just untidy and not a neat install?


    It is best of course that it complies with B.S. 7671 and is neat and safe. I do not agree with substandard work that can cause fires or shocks, or is unreliable.


    Possibly the experienced electrician is doing things the right way as expected today in this competitive world. You are new and the work may be below your expectations but you are still learning, in many ways.


    If you are really not happy then leave and find a new employer. Or just bide your time and learn what you can before moving on.


    Bye,


    Z.


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