New plumber rates?

[still learning]

Hi folks.
Ok, I'm progressing bit by bit. Sole trader since 2000, had staff come and go as work fluctuates.
I took on an apprentice for year then jacked , as they do. My current app entice is just finishing his 1st year and wants to stay . Point is, how much to pay him.?
Ok.., his details are
19 yr, just completed nvq 2 , no tools,no transport,picked up and dropped home, he can complete basic 1st and 2nd fix bathrooms providing nothing tricky pops up, he can solder well, fit rads.
I do want to keep him but only if its financially worth it, after all, it's all about doing a good job but for a profit.
Obviously I don't want to pay too much but nor do I want to pay peanuts.
So , what's a fair wage for this little pipe bender?
Also, if you can be bothered. ... employed or take him on as a subby?

 

[TFGplumbing]

minimum wage is all I ever got

 

[Dan-HybridHeat]

Is he staying on to do his lvl 3? I still considered myself as an apprentice whilst doing my lvl 3 so was on £150 a week after passing my lvl 2.

 

[still learning]

Thanks for that guys

 

[plumben]

i'd vote for minimum wage as your going to be paying him even when you dont get paid but give him a few bonuses when he does a good job or your on a good earner,

the bonus dosnt have to be money though could be new tools

 

[still learning]

Tool bonus...like it.

 

[JCSPLUMBING]

£200 a week at least. Bonus on decent jobs. He is fully qualified in the uk as he has the minimum standard required. He can bugger off anytime and get double to treble that easily. If he's decent then keep him happy.

 

[chris watkins]

Question is are you teaching him or do you expect him to make you money?
If it is the latter then pay him what he is worth to you otherwise you risk loosing another one.
Or
If you teach & help him, still pay him when he goes to college, help him gain all the experience he needs to get his NVQ & become a fully skilled plumber, then pay him a reduced rate.

Too many employers treat an apprentice as cheap labour on the pretence that they are in training.

As a guide you could use these JIB rates but remember they are also supposed to get all the allowances as well not just the rate.
http://www.unitetheunion.org/upload...rom_169_2015_Pay_Rates_Allowances11-23255.pdf

 

[kris]

Well said Chris,
To still learning, it sounds like your apprentice does OK with work, but only you know or should know his potential by now,

 

[still learning]

Thanks for input. 1st one buggered off as he hated plumbing and now works at aldi.
I do know exactly what new lad is capable of but simply wanted feedback on the going rate of pay.
Btw, he is entitled to 2.73 per hour, I pay him 4.50 plus bonuses plus lunch plus coffees plus trained him to the level he's now at so certainly not cheap labour.
I am teaching him,to be a plumber to earn me money.