Heating Engineer - apprentice costs
Discussion
A bit of advice required.
We needed a heating engineer to replace two pieces of copper pipe that had started to leak. Probably no more than two hours work but received a bill for 5 hours x €63.00 per hour which i find extremely expensive compared to a UK heating / plumbing guy at circa £250 - £30o day rate.
Anyhow, he's also charged us €180 for his apprentice attending!!!!!??? Repair didn't require two people. Is this normal practice for German trades?
Sorry for the late reply, the bill maybe expensive but I think it is OK within german trade standards,
as the 63€ / hr also include travelling costs ( I guess).
The plumber can charge the apprentice at half a "fully qualified" worker,
maybe the worker needed a hand ( or thought he would) but this also counts as "practical learning".
The dual education system of "theory" in apprentice schools and "praxis" in the workshop and on-site
is generally seen as good and copied in many countries, has it´s price though.
If still in doubt, try to find the local "Schlichtungsstelle" from the local chamber of commerce,
they can check the bill and try to negotiate troubles before it all goes to court of law.
as the 63€ / hr also include travelling costs ( I guess).
The plumber can charge the apprentice at half a "fully qualified" worker,
maybe the worker needed a hand ( or thought he would) but this also counts as "practical learning".
The dual education system of "theory" in apprentice schools and "praxis" in the workshop and on-site
is generally seen as good and copied in many countries, has it´s price though.
If still in doubt, try to find the local "Schlichtungsstelle" from the local chamber of commerce,
they can check the bill and try to negotiate troubles before it all goes to court of law.
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