Employers need to view interns and apprentices as more than just a cheap source of labour, says David Green
Practical experience and training in the workplace through an apprenticeship or internship is invaluable for those starting out in a new trade or profession. However, internships in particular have come under a lot of criticism because they are often unpaid. So what rights do interns and apprentices actually have? Is offering an internship an opportunity for the individual to gain valuable experience and contacts or is it a means of cheap labour for the employer, often with no financial reward or redress for the individual if they are treated badly? From the employer’s point of view, what are the benefits and are there any hidden legal risks when taking on interns or offering an apprenticeship?
