Trade Standards

Before the Indenture: A Somerset Employer's Apprenticeship Readiness Audit for 2026

A practical audit for Somerset trade and craft employers weighing up an apprentice in 2026. The questions cover day release, mentoring time, tool costs, safeguarding, trial periods and the paperwork that keeps training on track.

Nov 8, 2026

Terms Before Tools: Why Somerset Trades Should Put Booking Conditions in Writing

Deposits and cancellation clauses are often blamed for disputes between trades and customers, yet the real difficulty is usually vague or missing terms. This opinion piece argues that a simple, written booking standard would protect cash flow and trust across Somerset joinery, plastering and heritage work.

Nov 8, 2026