There were apprenticeships ... and then there were
Apprenticeships!
I was an Army Apprentice myself (one of many thousands who passed through Arborfield back then), and I reckon it was a pretty solid foundation to working life. We were still just kids really (not like today's youngsters who hardly seem to have
any sort of proper childhood, the poor devils). We were taught a trade by old sweats, and beasted around the drill square until we learned the value of discipline. It was a good technique ... catch 'em young, and mould them into what you want! We certainly had plenty of role models to choose from. Damned good blokes, by and large. Frankly, I pity the young people of today, who generally don't get those sort of opportunities! What
mentors do they ever get to meet (especially those who need them the most)?
Never mind apprenticeships ... bring back National Service! That will sort the men from the boys (literally)!
