Apprenticeships: learning from the master

By Jude Smith

Apprenticeships: Learning From the Master

Earlier this week the Government announced a series of ‘stimulus’ measures for the economy which included the creation of 21,000 new apprenticeship places. Overcoming the cries of ‘cheap labour’, a business guy interviewed on the BBC noted that one of the marks of apprentices is a sense of company loyalty. They will stay long after a hired hand straight out of college.

The idea of training under a master or mistress craftsman or otherwise is not new. In Britain the system is traced to the late Middle Ages and the training of young people by the Crafts Guild. However, followers of Rabbinic traditions will point to a much earlier tradition where a Rabbi (teacher) would take on a number of people who would walk with him, sit at his feet to hear teaching, take on his skills and his take on the Torah, and then go and pass it on.

Jesus was one such Rabbi. His band of Twelve was somewhat unusually formed, it was normal for people to ask the Rabbi to come follow, Jesus invited His Twelve. Come follow me was the start of an unconventional apprenticeship- but one from which I think British business can learn.

There are two marks that I think stood Jesus out.

First, Jesus apprentices experienced first and foremost, a person. The task that they were doing was important, the teaching they received was top of the league, but the thing that inspired (eventually) the loyalty was the person. I wonder if British trainers have the confidence to allow apprentices to be about loyalty to a person. I suspect we eschew it- finding it difficult n a cautious interpersonal work world.

I’m not advocating dependence- but my youthwork experience tells me that young people catch things- more than teaching they see an example and follow.

The second mark for me is that of empowerment. Ask any young person who has done work experience what was good and you will find that it was when they were trusted (appropriately of course) to do something themselves. Jesus was (understandably) a Master at this- he showed the Twelve how it was done once, might stay around to help on the second go, then they got to play themselves. Jesus would trouble shoot and take questions, but essentially he gave away. Again this might cut across our risk averse culture but it is how young people learn.

A final thought. I’m always drawn to the story of Jesus reinstating Peter. Its easy to see Peter as an old guy but he was probably no older than twenty when he found himself denying Jesus. Probably less than a month later we see him meeting Jesus, his Master, and receiving grace for his indiscretion. My hope for modern apprentices is that we can find masters who will extend grace to young people who will mess up, who might misunderstand, but at the end of the day will be hugely loyal followers.

For your prayer time ....

Pray for young people involved in these Apprenticeship schemes - for their development of new skills. and for open doors into new futures and careers.
Pray for employers, for continued openess to take a risk on young people and for good mentoring.
Pray for the long term unemployed and for continued hope for those who feel like giving up.
Pray for the young people of the UK - for those feeling excluded, for those suffering, for those trapped in addiction or crime - pray for miracles.

A simple prayer...

Jesus, our teacher and guide
The Master who takes time to apprentice us.
We come to you in prayer.

We thank you that you see us as people,
You love us and welcome us, you long to spend time with us.
Help us to treat each person we meet with the same kindness.
Help us to see the dignity and potential in each person we meet.

We thank you that you empower us,
That you have chosen to entrust us with so much in this world.
Help us to empower others, especially the young.
Help us to take a risk on trusting someone today.

We thank you that you restore us,
That you love us and forgive us.
Help us to forgive others as you forgive us.
Help us to restore those who have let us down.

In the name of Jesus.
Amen

Jude Smith is an Ordinand in training at Trinity College in Bristol. She is an experienced youth and community worker, who cut her teeth on the Marsh farm Estate in Luton and also worked with 24-7 Prayer in it's Boiler Room in Central London.

Jude Smith, 01/03/2009