How much should I pay our work experience lad?

[debbiem]

We runs small business and have had my nephew with us for two weeks doing work experience. He's 14 years old. I want to pay him a little something to show recognition for his efforts, but have no idea how much.

We have never had kids so I have no idea how much money a teenager would need or how much would be too much.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Debbie

 

[Nuno]

Similar thread in June:
http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=261492

Basically nothing, but if they are really good get them something nice/take them for a treat.

We had a wonderful girl for a week and gave her some equipment from the workshop she really wanted.
(As an aside it was great to have a self starting, motivated, literate, polite and generally nice kid in the place to learn and help. This girl will do well.)

 

[Richie N]

You could cover their travel and lunch costs?

 

[MASSEY]

I got 25 quid for my 5 days.

 

[DuncanH]

Many moons ago I worked my ass off for a local shop, washing hired out pots, pans, knives and forks, cleaning out animal cages etc non stop for six days (local pet shop/jack of all trades) I got naff all except for a poor review on my report, all it said was I didn't try hard enough... I worked non stop with the assistant manager, allways asked what they would like me to do next, pretty much what I expect from employees now'a'days. So if this kid was a good'un then if you know what their hobby is maybe try and help with some new kit or maybe give them your phone number and ask that once their studies are done they call you first to see if you have any vacancies!

 

[AJCant]

When I was on work experience I was just helping out in the office. I was there for 5 days and got £25

 

[kelvin1950]

When my daughter did this some 16 years ago, she got taken out on the last day for a slap up lunch.

 

[DesignerNick]

Yep, as the others have said get them a gift or treat them to a lunch

 

[zaidy88]

When i was 14/15 about 8 years ago. I got £15 a day and worked about 8-10 hours a day. I was well chuffed with this amount as could afford to go out with friends every week
Worked just 2 days a week though.
Then at 16 I got a proper paid job and was over the moon with the commission I was earning over £800 per month part time, only if now money came as easy as it did back then

 

[PrestonLad]

Many moons ago I worked my ass off for a local shop, washing hired out pots, pans, knives and forks, cleaning out animal cages etc non stop for six days (local pet shop/jack of all trades) I got naff all except for a poor review on my report, all it said was I didn't try hard enough... I worked non stop with the assistant manager, allways asked what they would like me to do next, pretty much what I expect from employees now'a'days. So if this kid was a good'un then if you know what their hobby is maybe try and help with some new kit or maybe give them your phone number and ask that once their studies are done they call you first to see if you have any vacancies!

It was many moons ago, was it? It sounds like it still rankles. Have you ever considered therapy?

 

[DuncanH]

It was many moons ago, was it? It sounds like it still rankles. Have you ever considered therapy?

Yeah well twenty years ago... And yes it still rankles me but did teach me that anyone will shaft you even if they are very nice to your face so while it still lives with me (first and only time I have been truly used and abused) it is with hindsight a very good lesson to have learned.
With regard therapy I am way way beyond that kind of help or I would be looking for a proper job as everyone I know calls it, I think they meen when you work for someone else

Duncan.

 

[EddyP]

Work experience is a great thing for youngsters. Paying them a little something is great, I might be wrong but I think that £25 is still a lot for a 14-15 year old!

 

[projectglamp]

When i was 15 (13 years ago) I had a week of work experience at a local employer to my school.

I got paid £120 for my weeks work stacking pallets there and when I left school I returned there before continuing my studies. I made about 3 grand that summer and after my studies I yet again returned to the same employer.
Im still there to this day and only leaving to start my own business, I wouldn't leave to go to another employer.

Treat people well and it pays off. If you have a good wee worker there then pay them accordingly, it may well secure you that extra summer help you may require during school holidays etc.

just my 2p worth.

 

[shellrob]

Hi my son last year got 70 for a weeks work - which i was amazing as he did not work very hard - but my daughter got no money but a great refernce and offer of help to make her final collection when she gets to that point - which she was very pleased with