Rank: Forum user 
|
Hi, we have recently employed an apprentice who is 17 years old. Taking guidance from the HSE I have written a policy outlining the requirements of his employer. I have stated:
Persons under the age of 18 years must never be left in the sole company of one adult. The apprentice should always be in visible site of several persons at all times. This rule is to protect the young worker from potential inappropriate contact with an adult and also to protect employees from possible accusations.
Therefore the following situations should be avoided: - Working outside normal working hours
- Travelling alone with the apprentice between sites or to customers/suppliers
- Offering lifts home or to work
Realistically this isn't going to be possible as the apprentice is going to be on the road travelling to numerous clients sites with another employee.
I've not come across this situation before and am keen to ensure the apprentice has adequate safeguards in place yet afford him the career he has chosen.
Thank you for any advice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
I think you are taking safeguarding to far, the person is a young worker and therefore needs to be treated as such, if you are that concerned have all staff DBS checked. I have worked in care homes where you would take young people out on a one to one. What do the other employees think. Remeber the young person is now in a working situation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
I agree with Invictus.
I also think you may be getting a young person (under 18 years old) mixed with a child (under 16).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Why have you written a policy and then realised that this isn't going to be possible? I realise that there is the need to protect young workers but you should either adhere to your own policy, or reconsider how to make other arrangements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
17 year-olds are adults - they are young persons, not children.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Originally Posted by: Kate  17 year-olds are adults - they are young persons, not children.
Sorry Kate, who is this directed at?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
I totally agree with you and i also know the rule of HSE. But 17 years old are adults alomst and know about safeguarding and all risks. But in the end i will said that force to doing job to an immature human must be stoped and government must take action against it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
The previous respondents are quite correct; at 17 people are classed as young persons and not children (i.e below the age at which you can legally leave school).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Originally Posted by: WatsonD Originally Posted by: Kate 17 year-olds are adults - they are young persons, not children.
Sorry Kate, who is this directed at?
The OP of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Originally Posted by: Kate Originally Posted by: WatsonD Originally Posted by: Kate 17 year-olds are adults - they are young persons, not children.
Sorry Kate, who is this directed at?
The OP of course.
Thank you. I thought a post had been deleted as I couldn't see the OP mention children. But I now see your posts suggests the controls cited are are treating them like children rather than classing them as such.
I am easily confused at times.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
The OP did mention adults in a way that suggested the apprentices weren't adults - hence my comment.
|
 1 user thanked Kate for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Hi All,
The college that your apprentice will be attending will have safeguarding experts. They should be able to provide you with sensible and proportionate advice regarding safeguarding. Educational establishments take safeguarding seriously as all those who work in education have a legal responsibility to report safeguarding issues. Prior to placing an apprentice my college asks the question if apprentices will be left on their own with individual workers and records the employers response. Ultimately the employer is responsible and really should assess the risk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.