Apprentice working alone

Ch1979

Hi
I’m an adult level 3 hairdressing apprentice and my boss will be on 6 weeks maternity leave in a few months. There will be other non employed hairdressers on site most of the time however they will not responsible for me as they are self employed albeit qualified. We are planning for me to carry out services I am already qualified for (level 2) only in her absence whilst still receiving training sessions with her plus phone contact throughout these 6 weeks. I will attend collage as normaI. I just want to make sure that we aren’t breaking any rules, by me working without a company staff member on site? We are both new to apprenticeships and I am keen to get my existing skills and confidence up to standard service levels.
The other concern is that there are 2 college day release girls under 18 that come in 1 day per week, I certainly do not feel I can manage them or supervise their training.

marlot

My advice is to ask your college. You're going to have to speak with them about the day release girls anyway.

Fireflyaway

It sounds like a good development opportunity but I'd question what happens with the day release girls. What if they don't turn up or they have a question / make a mistake? It's only fair to know whats expected in advance.

DigForVictory

I do not want to sound dismal but by going off on mat leave your boss is leaving you with a lot of responsibility - fire, flood, accident etc.

If she didn't have you there, who'd be opening the shop, checking it's clean & safe, is a ticketed first aider, liaising with authorities, paying bills, dealing with suppliers, keeping customers happy? (I'm sure your hairdressing training will cope, but you should not have to get your head around bookkeeping as well just yet!)

You're an apprentice, not your boss - talk to your college on Monday before you are inadvertently landed in a depth of responsibility you did not sign up for. That said what an amazing developmental opportunity - so long as you have someone who can step in & guide if it goes over your head, who is there 24/7 for you.