Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Aug 11, 2006 03:10pm | #1

   I'am normally optimistic,  Right now you should be pessimistic.  I've had classes in my shop and my insurance advisor had fits.  In this litigation prone society, everybody wants something for nothing including your money.  The Free labor would be nice !!  But tuition would be better, especially if he's independently wealthy.  IMHO. 

   Talk to a lawyer, first consultation is sometimes free, ASK.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   PianoMan | Aug 12, 2006 10:48pm | #5

   "everybody wants something for nothing . . . first consultation is sometimes free"

   Hmm?

1. 
   BruceS | Aug 13, 2006 12:49am | #6

   CAUGHTWork Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   nicrhode | Aug 13, 2006 11:43am | #7

   Thanks for all your sobering comments, it looks like I should proceed with some caution and proffessional advise, Nic

1. 
   smslaw | Aug 14, 2006 06:54pm | #8

   As well as considering all the points others have made, keep in mind that the term "apprentice" implies some sort of more or less formal training that is given in exchange for labor.  You don't want to run afoul of the 13th amendment or of minimum wage laws.

2. 
   ring | Aug 11, 2006 03:18pm | #2

   You must be sure you have coverage.  I once did something similar and had my insurance expanded to include small adult "classes" being given in my shop.  It wasn't too expensive, but check out your possibilities.  He should pay you the additional cost of carrying whatever coverage is needed.  Do not take chances with this.

   DR

3. 
   dherzig | Aug 11, 2006 05:07pm | #3

   The pupil sounds like me several years ago. As I tell my consulting clients who say they do not want to be sued, that there is nothing you can do to stop from being sued, you can only protect yourself when you are. In this case I think it is important to protect yourself not only from this person but from the possibility of anyone visiting the shop and getting injured. Also don't forget there are other of his family members who might find they have a stake in your business if he is injured, even if he has agreed not to hold you liable.

   Another issue I found when I worked as an apprentice was that the master was not really prepared for me as an apprentice. It would be helpful if the two of you sat down before hand and laid out exactly what was expected of him. Also think about how he would progress through various skills. One of the major problems I ran into in my situation was that the master turned out to be a machine freak and required a project to reach levels only achievable with metal products. I thought he was unrealistic based what wood would do under various conditions. I learned nothing that advanced my skills. Make sure you and he are on the same page with the same goals.

    

1. 
   citrouille | Aug 11, 2006 07:48pm | #4

   Excellent points there, Herzig.I have apprentices all the time at no pay. I do pay for workman's comp, here in Mass if there are no wages involved the cost is about $120 a year.A program of instruction is very useful, for both, the apprentice and the master as well.Trusting instincts while selecting the one amongst candidates works for me.C.

4. 
   AntzyClancy | Aug 14, 2006 07:14pm | #9

   Talk to a layer that specializes in this area.  Anything short of this is unwise.

   Good luck,

   Todd

    

1. 
   smslaw | Aug 14, 2006 11:29pm | #10

   Why would a chicken be expected to provide useful advice?

1. 
   Rennie | Aug 14, 2006 11:33pm | #11

   And I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me!Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral. Frank Lloyd Wright

2. 
   John_D | Aug 14, 2006 11:33pm | #12

   What do you call 600 layers on the bottom of the ocean?

   Sediment.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.