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Dave Willis

Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #80 on: August 08, 2013, 06:23:29 pm »
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Types-of-Apprenticeships/Retail-and-Commercial-Enterprise/Cleaning-and-Environmental-Services.aspx

You could do a general cleaning apprentiship by the looks of things - cracking final salary too  ;)

simon w

  • Posts: 1647
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #81 on: August 08, 2013, 07:02:22 pm »
Lol an apprentice window cleaner! Are you having a laugh???
Only takes a few days to show someone the ropes and a few months for them to master the techniques.


Strange I've been employing for years and every time I've taken on a new WC with no previous experience it takes an average 6 months before I'd class them as a capable all round WC difficult to get them potty trained for traditional window cleaning these days as so much more time is spent with the WFP.

I've trained up dozens from scratch over the years and some have stayed with me for years, others just a few months. I've always found it important to teach them the right way to do the job from day one, no short cuts and an extremely keen eye for attention to detail. You can get away with the odd bad window, but when your cleaning volume day in day out poor results will effect your business negatively. So for a long time your doing your work, but having to spot the new guys work for poor results, when you get to the stage where the WC understands an expectable result where you wont get pulled up by the customer you can start to relax and increase the volume of work on your day sheets  :)

roundbuilder

Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #82 on: August 08, 2013, 09:50:24 pm »
Lol an apprentice window cleaner! Are you having a laugh???
Only takes a few days to show someone the ropes and a few months for them to master the techniques.


Strange I've been employing for years and every time I've taken on a new WC with no previous experience it takes an average 6 months before I'd class them as a capable all round WC difficult to get them potty trained for traditional window cleaning these days as so much more time is spent with the WFP.

I've trained up dozens from scratch over the years and some have stayed with me for years, others just a few months. I've always found it important to teach them the right way to do the job from day one, no short cuts and an extremely keen eye for attention to detail. You can get away with the odd bad window, but when your cleaning volume day in day out poor results will effect your business negatively. So for a long time your doing your work, but having to spot the new guys work for poor results, when you get to the stage where the WC understands an expectable result where you wont get pulled up by the customer you can start to relax and increase the volume of work on your day sheets  :)
Which is basically what i said. i think 6 months is a bit extreme to master cleaning a window though! For example i trained my step dad 6 weeks ago, first few weeks he was on ohone constant asking for help and advice but now 6 weeks on he is upto speed and fully confident in what he is doing. I trained him to wfp tops and trad bottoms so has learnt both methods combined in 6 weeks.

MWC

  • Posts: 491
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #83 on: August 08, 2013, 09:54:21 pm »
"Let it go now"

Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #84 on: August 08, 2013, 10:26:21 pm »
Anyone else find it interesting how people class 'window cleaning' as running a squeegee over a window? Is it not so much more than that? PR skills, marketing, accounting, branding, purchasing. Are not all of these things part of window cleaning? I have had a number of trainees for 'window cleaning' over the years. The best are those who learn these other skills too.

roundbuilder

Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #85 on: August 08, 2013, 10:31:39 pm »
Anyone else find it interesting how people class 'window cleaning' as running a squeegee over a window? Is it not so much more than that? PR skills, marketing, accounting, branding, purchasing. Are not all of these things part of window cleaning? I have had a number of trainees for 'window cleaning' over the years. The best are those who learn these other skills too.
No they are life skills and common sence. Its obvious accounts,branding,purchasing,people skills,counting skills lol.
Come on get a grip all of us are only window cleaners and nothing special.
Window cleaning is as easy as running a squeegie over a window or a wfp over the paine. The rest like said round building, collecting, being branded, people skills are obvious and even the thickest of people can do them hence the sort of people you get being window cleaners! Beer boys, dull boys, tax avoiding boys, etc.

8weekly

Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #86 on: August 08, 2013, 10:34:50 pm »
Anyone else find it interesting how people class 'window cleaning' as running a squeegee over a window? Is it not so much more than that? PR skills, marketing, accounting, branding, purchasing. Are not all of these things part of window cleaning? I have had a number of trainees for 'window cleaning' over the years. The best are those who learn these other skills too.
Only for the boss. If they had those skills they would be running their own empire.

C o z y

  • Posts: 7775
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #87 on: August 08, 2013, 11:09:58 pm »
John made a good post earlier, but forgot to add something. Some end up in this game and want to make it out to be bigger and more complicated than it is, or they feel as though they've hit the bottom of the pile.

This game is so easy that even Sam Dingle could do well after a few months at it. For God's sake, it's window cleaning. Any mong with 4 brain cells can build a round and earn money. Some of you are scared stiff of rejection and knocking doors, but still found a way to get enough work!!

Does anyone really want to say that there is an apprenticeship in this crap? I'm trying to keep a straight face here.  ::)roll

Get over your egoes and settle for the fact that the summer brigade can make a hole in this game, and even with little or no idea how to clean a pane of glass, can earn a decent income.

Apprenticeship, what a joke!! Even your customers will and can clean their own windows if they have too.  How small do you have to be to think you're better than a window cleaner.

Added later, I earn enough money in this game, more than most of my custies, so I've not got a low opinion of windies, but to see some of the muck posted about this game is bordering on the extreme silly. Get a grip lads.


No still don't understand, I must be thick

ben M

  • Posts: 4720
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #88 on: August 08, 2013, 11:12:03 pm »
John made a good post earlier, but forgot to add something. Some end up in this game and want to make it out to be bigger and more complicated than it is, or they feel as though they've hit the bottom of the pile.

This game is so easy that even Sam Dingle could do well after a few months at it. For God's sake, it's window cleaning. Any mong with 4 brain cells can build a round and earn money. Some of you are scared stiff of rejection and knocking doors, but still found a way to get enough work!!

Does anyone really want to say that there is an apprenticeship in this crap? I'm trying to keep a straight face here.  ::)roll

Get over your egoes and settle for the fact that the summer brigade can make a hole in this game, and even with little or no idea how to clean a pane of glass, can earn a decent income.

Apprenticeship, what a joke!! Even your customers will and can clean their own windows if they have too.  How small do you have to be to think you're better than a window cleaner.



very good post  :)

Archer

  • Posts: 1208
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #89 on: August 09, 2013, 08:43:10 am »

Simon W,

What you have put is exactly on the same way as thinking as me.

Trouble is some of these that comment think cleaning a conservatory roof is a MASSIVE job, and are superhuman that they think in ten minutes they have mastered the art of window cleaning.

When sensible people make genuine comments to be helpfull the super humans that think they know everything try and put others down or make themselfs look good.

I want to learn from other window cleaners and I believe I am quite knowledgeable in how to pick work up, and carry the work out safely to the highest standards, but when I try and put my point of view across others find it amusing to take the ----, and seem to know everything.

Maybe they are happy doing what they do, and there is nothing wrong with that at all as long as they are happy doing their job.

As some clever people will obviously try to be clever at any comments I make, I started at the bottom working extremely hard, working mega long hours, changed and adapted to working at height regulations., introduced the WFP into my business years ago and have now got a decent business, yet others who are plodders make comments when really they don't have a clue.

Point will be proven when cozy and Ben m try to show others how clever they are by taking the Micky.

But for any of you that want to grow a successful business and need any help with anything, I can offer any help I can

jimiwindows

  • Posts: 537
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #90 on: August 09, 2013, 12:03:59 pm »
Archer they dont like anyone that is doing well.When someone puts some pics of big commercial work they all slagged him of.

This forum should have a commercial window cleaning section and a domestic window cleaning section.Then we wont have to read about this custy and that custy and this back gate and dog poo and how can i clean the inside of a window with mr mussel and just got 2 new jobs £5 a house AND go to work with the wife.pls

MWC

  • Posts: 491
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #91 on: August 09, 2013, 12:22:49 pm »
Archer they dont like anyone that is doing well.When someone puts some pics of big commercial work they all slagged him of.

This forum should have a commercial window cleaning section and a domestic window cleaning section.Then we wont have to read about this custy and that custy and this back gate and dog poo and how can i clean the inside of a window with mr mussel and just got 2 new jobs £5 a house AND go to work with the wife.pls

You also forgot to mention "dump em and get two more" "my new pole and brush hard-on" "i earn £3000 every conny roof"

DG Cleaning

  • Posts: 1726
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #92 on: August 09, 2013, 12:41:29 pm »
Great idea to split it into commercial and domestic.
The domestics can just bitch and moan about how they just plod all day and how Mrs Miggins hates it when there's a puddle of water underneath her kitchen window.
Of course I forgot to mention how they long to have a few vans on the road but won't admit it.

The commercial guys can basque in their obvious superiority having "cracked" the cleaning windows game while comparing the size of their caravans..

C o z y

  • Posts: 7775
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #93 on: August 09, 2013, 02:07:05 pm »
No DG, you can only go into some other section for angry morris dancers who started out at the bottom of the pile.

News flash for "helpful" angry wanabe Richard Bransons". We all start at the beginning. Some who are scared to knock or leaflet may buy some work and build from there. Others just go knocking and put a round together like that. Strange old world innit??  ;D

I think having a CIU section for "I only do commercial work" upper class "5 vans on the road" would be a great idea. These people could all meet up after Morris Dancing classes and compare poles and contract sheets.  ;D ;D

They could have someone to mod the section that wants to tell everyone how nice and helpful he is and spouting about latest contracts etc. You could swap piccies of poles in a private section, who has the longest or most flexible etc  ;) Phwooaare!!  8)

Anyway, just give Mike Boxall (forum owner) a shout and see if he will set up that section on here for you lot.

Back on subject. We're actually watching someone on here claiming to be in a position to train a "window cleaning apprentice" up to a none existant standard that nobody trained THEM to do in the first place. the proof is, all of us started with no training or real idea of how to go about working for ourselves.

Enjoy this opportunity to bathe in your own importance guys with contracts and poles. I'll just laugh as you pass by on the way to buy your apprentice his school books and pencils. Which tech college will they have to go to on Tuesdays?

You couldn't make this stuff up!!! PMSL  ;D Hrere's some successful winies 30 years on. This could be you lot one day!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13JK5kChbRw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
 ;D
No still don't understand, I must be thick

C o z y

  • Posts: 7775
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #94 on: August 09, 2013, 02:12:09 pm »
Great idea to split it into commercial and domestic.
The domestics can just bitch and moan about how they just plod all day and how Mrs Miggins hates it when there's a puddle of water underneath her kitchen window.
Of course I forgot to mention how they long to have a few vans on the road but won't admit it.

The commercial guys can basque in their obvious superiority having "cracked" the cleaning windows game while comparing the size of their caravans..

Yalakedags?  ;D
No still don't understand, I must be thick

DG Cleaning

  • Posts: 1726
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #95 on: August 09, 2013, 02:46:59 pm »
Great idea to split it into commercial and domestic.
The domestics can just bitch and moan about how they just plod all day and how Mrs Miggins hates it when there's a puddle of water underneath her kitchen window.
Of course I forgot to mention how they long to have a few vans on the road but won't admit it.

The commercial guys can basque in their obvious superiority having "cracked" the cleaning windows game while comparing the size of their caravans..

Yalakedags?  ;D

 ;D ;D

roundbuilder

Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #96 on: August 09, 2013, 02:50:55 pm »
No DG, you can only go into some other section for angry morris dancers who started out at the bottom of the pile.

News flash for "helpful" angry wanabe Richard Bransons". We all start at the beginning. Some who are scared to knock or leaflet may buy some work and build from there. Others just go knocking and put a round together like that. Strange old world innit??  ;D

I think having a CIU section for "I only do commercial work" upper class "5 vans on the road" would be a great idea. These people could all meet up after Morris Dancing classes and compare poles and contract sheets.  ;D ;D

They could have someone to mod the section that wants to tell everyone how nice and helpful he is and spouting about latest contracts etc. You could swap piccies of poles in a private section, who has the longest or most flexible etc  ;) Phwooaare!!  8)

Anyway, just give Mike Boxall (forum owner) a shout and see if he will set up that section on here for you lot.

Back on subject. We're actually watching someone on here claiming to be in a position to train a "window cleaning apprentice" up to a none existant standard that nobody trained THEM to do in the first place. the proof is, all of us started with no training or real idea of how to go about working for ourselves.

Enjoy this opportunity to bathe in your own importance guys with contracts and poles. I'll just laugh as you pass by on the way to buy your apprentice his school books and pencils. Which tech college will they have to go to on Tuesdays?

You couldn't make this stuff up!!! PMSL  ;D Hrere's some successful winies 30 years on. This could be you lot one day!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13JK5kChbRw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
 ;D


Lol excellant.
I totally agree.

C o z y

  • Posts: 7775
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #97 on: August 09, 2013, 02:53:05 pm »
Still need an apprenticeship in window cleaning Jimi mate?

anyone can push a pole about

 ;)
No still don't understand, I must be thick

Archer

  • Posts: 1208
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #98 on: August 09, 2013, 04:10:40 pm »


Like I had posted,

completely twisted.


Jimiwindows = totally agree with you and MWC


As for cozy,

Regarding comment of commercial only 5 vans on the road crap.

Please tell me why you go to work ?????????????????

I reckon its so you can earn a living, and with that comes earning money, when you earn the money you spend it on bills, holidays, kids etc

So I reckon you do this basically to do well for yourself, because that's why I work.


Now I also reckon that because you are not either driven enough, clever enough, or have a lucky break you take great pleasure to try and be a comic by slagging off and trying to put down other members on this forum, me included because your either jealous of someone trying to make a business grow or your just plain and simple, I believe its both.



If I had read on here that YOU had come from nothing, with pretty poor background, worked your nuts off to better yourself for you, your missus and your family, I can truly say that I would think to myself well done, and I personally would try and educate myself to see how I could do the same.


Even though I certainly do not like you, just because of you constantly trying to be clever at others that HAVE worked their way up from nothing, I expect you to perform to the others on here by coming back with crayon remarks, morris dancing, anything like that.

But just think of this one, while I am sat here banging my head on my keyboard offering help to others, I AM earning a good living, and for that reason alone any NORMAL person on this forum that wants to do better for themselves, can make the decision as to who is the cleaver one, and who is the idiot.

Oh yes, don't forget to sign in as BEN M and agree with everything Cozy writes.

C o z y

  • Posts: 7775
Re: taking on an apprentice
« Reply #99 on: August 09, 2013, 04:30:52 pm »
Look Archer, stop typing with your forehead, it leaves bruises. You take yourself too seriously mate. I dont dislike anyone on here really. I laugh at the way you get upset and abusive, then get banned again for a few days.

I couldn't really give a monkey's if you are doing well or if you only have 15 old biddies bungalows to clean.

You need to chill out and spend more time telling us all about how great you are. I'm off to do a bit more work on my garden for a bit, but promise to read what you've taken hours to type later. ;D

Here's a tip though, try using more than one finger when typing, and don't forget, tipex only works on paper, not on a screen. ;D Bet your keyboard is covered in spaghetti hoops by now anyway.

See you later! Please stop calling me after 9pm by the way, my phone is on silent after then because of your silly childish threats.
No still don't understand, I must be thick