Not sure how to title this

[Ray Miller]

A friend of mine has a grandson and he shows talents in the design field both on the computer and by hand I know he doesn't want to come in to dig holes and put up signs. I don't want to hire him to play at a computer, nor do I want to pay him for that. I'm trying to let him down easy, but I'd like to keep the door open just in case.

Any ideas?

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Digging holes and doing basic work is what kids start out with. In his shop downtime he can play around with designs and learn. Unless you just don't need him, tell him you don't have the need now but later.

 

[Johnny Best]

He will be getting a PHD (pot hole digger). You have to start somewhere, sweep the floor, etc.

 

[pro-UP]

If you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, offer him the job you would prefer to see him work. If he doesn't take the offer, then the decision was not yours and you did your part. Then, if you are impressed with his work ethic, allow some office / computer time for cross-training and machine operating (and make that clear to your friend). It's a matter of economics. He has to pay for himself before you go broke making (keeping) friends. Good luck!

 

[thesignpost]

He needs to learn to crawl before he can fly. Needs to learn how things are made so he can be a more effective designer.

 

[pro-UP]

He needs to learn to crawl before he can fly. Needs to learn how things are made so he can be a more effective designer.

That is such a true statement. Our Operation Director is the perfect example of learning the entire process from start to finish. That deep knowledge has protected us and our clients more times then I can count. We catch so many design mistakes and installation issues before they even get out of design and that is because of hands on experience.

 

[ddarlak]

Feelings?