Fiddleback Forge is Hiring an Apprentice

[PEU]

I always wondered how the risk implied in using our shop machines is handled in a teacher/apprentice relation.

Pablo

 

[Busto]

I have hired a couple apprentices in my machine shop, and I determine their skill level on the first day by having them sharpen Drill Bits. I show them the fundamentals give them 20 pounds of dull bits and have one of the machinists work with them for 10-15 minutes. Start them on the Basic Safe Machines like Drill Press and work up from there...Don't Give Them sharpening as their First Day Test. They are covered for medical when they are hired and will receive workers compensation for injury, but that is all a function of Payroll. I will usually know within a week if a person has the mechanical aptitude to run all the equipment safely and is willing to learn.

Every Shop runs differently...For example there are a couple machinist here that I bring in for certain projects when we get Busy...Basically Sub-contractors...I pay them by the Job no medical no workers comp they pay their own taxes. They also work their own hours to complete the Task as long as it meets my Deadline.

 

[Fiddleback]

I always wondered how the risk implied in using our shop machines is handled in a teacher/apprentice relation.

Pablo

Firstly, the interview is meant to insure not only a fit among my team, but I'm also looking for competant adults who don't seem reckless. Manners and a professional attitude are a help. I like veterans best for this. Secondly I look for people that take personal responsibility seriously. If a person looks like he is believes in frivolous lawsuits then I pass. Thirdly, I put them on a proper payroll, and they have workers comp.

Once they start working I start them with sanding, flattening, and profiling blanks. Sanding and flattening to see if they're willing to do the shitty work. Profiling teaches them to run a 2x72 grinder without a dangerous hesitancy. They don't move from that job to any other machining until they can consistently turn out a properly profiled blank in under 5 minutes. Once that happens I start to help them learn to grind their own knives, and teach them about drill presses and drilling accurate holes on my knives. etc.

 

[PEU]

Thanks Andy, its amazing how different employment laws are, here in Argentina, hiring its not difficult, but safety and eventually let go an employee even a trainee is a royal PITA that most of the times end with lawyers involved...

Pablo

 

[Fiddleback]

We have a bit of that too.