Advice/opinions for my younger brother

Advice/opinions for my younger brother

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Discussion

CharlieHotel

Original Poster:

9,080 posts

166 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
I have a younger brother of 17, turning 18 later on this year.
Don't think he did really well in his GCSE's, maybe a couple C's and I believe he gained a Diploma in Sports or an equivelant.
He went to college the first year to do basically an expansion on the Diploma he did whilst he was at Secondary school.
He has now dropped out of this course partly due it boring the socks off him, partly due to not receiving EMA which he was eligible for and partly due to him wanting to get into the big grown up world and wanting to earn a full time wage.
He's started a customer care course which he gets £95 a week out of it but the duration of the course is only 12 weeks and after the 12 weeks their is no guarantee of employment.
What would you do in my shoes if he was your younger brother?
What advice would you give him.

He did go to college with hopes of progressing further and aspiring to be a sports teacher but I think he was a bit naive into how much hard work it would take to do that.

Now he's came out of college he says he isn't too bothered what he does aslong as he earns a bit of money.
I'm thinking past that and what career he needs to get into and what set of skills he needs to aquire whilst at a relatively young age (possibly thinking apprenticeships).

I've seen a lot of help being handed out on Pistonheads so I know there are some great minds on here.

Eric Mc

122,077 posts

266 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
Sounds like a loser to me.

Too hard?

Can't be bothered.

Sebo

2,167 posts

227 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
He dropped out due to no EMA?

Isn't that what part time jobs are for?

Krise

605 posts

211 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
Eric Mc said:
Sounds like a loser to me.

Too hard?

Can't be bothered.
Although that sounds harsh, the reality is at that age if you dont get your finger out you will get left behind, and the way things are going you will stay at the bottom of the pile in the dead end jobs.

Where abouts are you based ?

What kind of work


jt racing

561 posts

175 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
Nice.

He's 17-18, of course he wants to earn cash as a couple of hundred a week at that age seems loads. At least he wants to work for his money.
As for career options, I've no idea, but to be honest it won't be a concern of his till it dawns on him that if you want to earn more, he'll have to try harder.

KrazyIvan

4,341 posts

176 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
He dropped out of doing a few hours a week in big school, cos it was boring, and he thinks 40+ hours a week in a job is going to be better does he?

Tell him to get a part time job in tescos, and see how much "fun" it is.

CharlieHotel

Original Poster:

9,080 posts

166 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
We're in the North West, Liverpool to be precise.
Yes all the reasons are contributing factors to why he dropped out of college.
He does need a huge kick up the ar se but me and my dad can't seem to get through to him that these are probably the most important years of his life in terms of how successful he will be in 10 years time or so.
I may help him by phoning up all construction companies asking if any apprenticeships will be coming up but the problem I see in this is if it'd be me enquiring they'd think he isn't even dependant on himself and can't think for himself. Not sayin he can!

GT03ROB

13,270 posts

222 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
CharlieHotel said:
I may help him by phoning up all construction companies asking if any apprenticeships will be coming up but the problem I see in this is if it'd be me enquiring they'd think he isn't even dependant on himself and can't think for himself.
Nail hit.



XG332

3,927 posts

189 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
He needs to man up. Life isnt fun and easy to start.

Mattt

16,661 posts

219 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
Thanks to the Labour government, this is now a common situation.

What are all these stupid courses that lead to no recognised qualification yet they get paid for?

Stevenj214

4,941 posts

229 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
If he is not interested in education, then his options are:

Learn a trade (mechanic, plumber, electrician)
Get a job (labourer, office junior, admin assistant, call center)
Join the military (army, navy, raf)

Stevenj214

4,941 posts

229 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
quotequote all
Oh and also, if he is not willing to find the job himself, then I agree with Eric's first reply.

Don't do the donkey work for him.

wiffmaster

2,603 posts

199 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
I know people with decent degrees (as in 'real' subjects from 'real' universities) who are currently applying for menial jobs. He'll be lucky to get anything with a smattering of average GCSEs. He needs to man up and go back to college - even if it is dull, difficult and lots of work. In my experience, even people at degree/masters level view education as a "means to an end" these days - if they just so happen to still enjoy the course by the end of it, that's an added bonus. Sad to say but with those qualifications and seemingly little drive, I'd be surprised if KFC would take him in the current environment.

T84

6,941 posts

195 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
I don't have a degree or amazing GCSE's and I've done ok, it's all about how you are as a person and how you sell yourself.

Stevenj214

4,941 posts

229 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
T84 said:
I don't have a degree or amazing GCSE's and I've done ok, it's all about how you are as a person and how you sell yourself.
I don't think many people would disagree with you. The issue is that the picture painted by the OP is one of a slacker with no motivation who is easily discouraged and has no realistic aims or ambitions.

helmutlaang

472 posts

160 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
1.Tell him to get a dead end job on minimum wage

2.Tell him to enjoy himself for 3 years drinking and shagging

3.After 3 years he should know what he wants to do and it's not to late to get an apprentiship.Hopefully by then the country will be getting back on track so should be easier to get what he wants.

Pulse

10,922 posts

219 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
helmutlaang said:
1.Tell him to get a dead end job on minimum wage

2.Tell him to enjoy himself for 3 years drinking and shagging

3.After 3 years he should know what he wants to do and it's not to late to get an apprentiship.Hopefully by then the country will be getting back on track so should be easier to get what he wants.
You can enjoy number 2 whilst actually doing something with your life. I learnt the hard way, and was VERY similar to the OP's brother.

SplatSpeed

7,490 posts

252 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
don't give him any money!

Pulse

10,922 posts

219 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
Just to add to this, you would be better doing nothing for him. If he's anything like my brother, he won't thank you for it, and will actually get pretty annoyed.

I've tried before to sort my brother's life out, but it's been no use. You have to work these things out on your own I think.