So yeah. Apprenticeships. good idea, right? getting young people into 'skilled' trades, getting them decent money, and getting the rest of the public more plumbers to overcharge them when their water pipes burst.

sounds like a good plan, until you read the small print.

16 to 18 year old Apprentices are exempt from the minimum wage.

thats not all though.

Apprentices aged 19 -25 who are in the first 12 months of their Apprenticeship are not entitled to the Minimum Wage

So, essentially, if you started an apprenticeship at 16, you could be paid... whatever the *fruitcage* your employer wanted to pay you for three years. which, handily, is how long most apprenticeships take.

so yeah. I'm trying to save for a wedding, learn to drive, pay rent to my parents, and generally live, on £440 a month. let me tell you, thats NOT easy.

So, i've come to a crossroads. my parents are driving me mad (for reasons i really can't be arsed to explain) and so i want to move out.

problem is, i CAN'T on £440 a month. that wont even rent me an unfurnished single bedroomed flat around here.

so, i can either stick with my job, and carry on living at home, trying not to commit murder, or i can try and get a new job, which pays the minimum wage (nearly TWICE what i get atm) and move out.

Answers on teh back of a postcard, please (or in the poll)