Do Today's Apprenticeships Do Their Job?

Good morning all;

The tool-maker's job is so precise that you cannot be really inventive, it takes a lot of knowledge and following precise procedures; BUT, an apprentice is an apprentice in any arena, and I have seen these youngsters outperform experienced guys in tasks totally unknown for the newby.

They remind me my younger years, when everything was so exciting, and my mind was not contaminated with the typical prejudices: "thats how they taught me", "we've always don it that way", "Mr. X says so".

When they embark to the unknown, they are extremely careful, try to understand first, then take a lot of notes, and afterwards it is common sense and logic what guides these intrepid kids.

Oh God, I still remember my ample smiles and feel of satisfaction while driving home after every solved challenge.

Yes, apprentices are good, and you have fresh clay in your hands to mold them and turn 'em into the man in charge.

Regards

Yes. That is true. No alternative for happiness to those who enjoy working, solving technical problems, finding alternative solutions, etc.

I'm not acquainted with apprenticeship programs. It would be my guess that a lot of knowledge that was valuable in the past may not be taught in today's programs. For example, numerical control would take up a big part of today's programs with less attention to manual operations, such as with lathe and other machine operations. I guess what I'm saying is, a diesel locomotive driver doesn't need to know how to drive a steam locomotive.

Yes, diesel mechanic need not know to run the locomotive, but he know that will be added advantage. I know few truck drivers who can repair/ overhaul complete engine driver much better than other trained and experienced drivers. One such driver demonstrated to me how one can change gears with out using clutch. I practically learned mechanical works, arc welding, brazing, etc., though I am electrical & electronics professional.