Should a boss teach an apprentice everything?

[Etini]

It is often said that while learning a trade, you should go figure out things by yourself. I understand that we humans by default are competitive in nature. So when a person subscribes to be an apprentice to a master, the master tends to show and teach the apprentice the part he/ she wants him to learn. The master doesn't show the apprentice everything. Reason being that by him showing the apprentice everything, the apprentice might end up dragging customers with him in the long run. Is this a good career practice?

After my schooling, I went to intern in a farm. The owner of the farm specifically asked me the location I intended to site my farm. That he can't teach someone that would site his business close to him and take his customers away. Even at that, he didn't let me enter the farm with him when he wanted to do vaccinations. In had to learn that from YouTube. The question is, "why are bosses insecure in teaching apprentices"? Is it right to hide some things from your apprentice so he would not be better than you?

 

[Mhiz chibuzor]

It is often said that while learning a trade, you should go figure out things by yourself. I understand that we humans by default are competitive in nature. So when a person subscribes to be an apprentice to a master, the master tends to show and teach the apprentice the part he/ she wants him to learn. The master doesn't show the apprentice everything. Reason being that by him showing the apprentice everything, the apprentice might end up dragging customers with him in the long run. Is this a good career practice?

After my schooling, I went to intern in a farm. The owner of the farm specifically asked me the location I intended to site my farm. That he can't teach someone that would site his business close to him and take his customers away. Even at that, he didn't let me enter the farm with him when he wanted to do vaccinations. In had to learn that from YouTube. The question is, "why are bosses insecure in teaching apprentices"? Is it right to hide some things from your apprentice so he would not be better than you?

As the boss, you'll need to teach apprentices everything they need to know to become qualified in your trade. When they complete their apprenticeship, they should be fully equipped as professionals in the field. You'll be responsible for ensuring they get there.

 

[Abigael]

Teaching your apprentice everything while you are running a private business is risky indeed. That is why the best place to do internship is the public sector, your supervisor won't be afraid that you will steal their customers.

So I might agree with your boss if they choose not to show you everything. But I guess it would be good if they taught you the most important things that will help you run your own business someday.

I like that they were careful enough to ask where you would set up your business. I would be insecure too if we were too close and you had made friendship with my customers.