Perhaps someone out there could enlighten me with regard to the following situation that my 17-year-old son finds himself in.

He has recently secured a much sought-after place at Nescot College to start a plumbing apprenticeship in September (he was one of only about 20 successful applicants out of a group of more than 100).

In preparation for this four-year course he has been attempting to find a plumber who would be willing to take him on during this period as an apprentice.

He has written 17 letters to local plumbers, enclosing stamped addressed envelopes to encourage replies.

Currently, after about a month, he has only received four responses.

To say that this is disheartening is putting it mildly and, although he really wants to learn the trade, he is likely to become disillusioned before he even starts.

Does anyone have any suggestions that would improve his chances of at least receiving the courtesy of a reply to his enquiries?

Apparently there is a shortage of good plumbers in this country, so what is causing the apathy among those who must also have had to go through the experience of finding someone to help train them?

I am not out to berate anyone. However, it would be encouraging, at the very least, to receive feedback to a genuine enquiry from a enthusiastic young man.

Eileen Greenacre Received by email