Letters..

Skills for a lifetime

AN APPRENTICESHIP of any sort can be very rewarding when the training is complete.

The main problem for many apprentices is that they feel used because of the low wages paid during training. But if they persevere, they will find that the rewards are waiting for them.

I worked as an apprentice in the foundry. When I look back, I see that when my journeyman told me to do the dirty work and cleaning up, it was all part of building me up to learn that it is not all about money.

My training – not just in the job and use of tools but also in being respectful, listening and

being attentive – paved the way for a better me.

A few years back, I met an old school acquaintance who went on to university but has struggled to hold a long-term job – so it does not always pay to have a degree.

An apprenticeship you have for life and the rewards can be very worthwhile after training.

Hands-on skills are needed every bit as much as academic qualifications. Tom Baxter, Denny, Stirlingshire

Satisfied lodger

I READ with interest your recent article about Almond House Lodge in Edinburgh.

I stayed there for four weeks

in September and October last year and your description is nothing like the B&B I stayed in.

I had a very clean and warm en-suite room with a television and found the excellent staff to be very accommodating. I only witnessed tobacco smoking – and only outside the premises. N O’Donnell, Edinburgh