Many farriers struggle with hiring and keeping apprentices in the fold. While the reasons vary, complaints frequently revolve around apprentices’ failures — they lack motivation and work ethic. Perhaps some do, but what if we’re failing them

Earlier this year at the International Hoof-Care Summit, Jamie Cooper, a San Antonio, Texas, attorney and farrier spouse, shed some light on the gaps between the generations that are in the workforce (Click here to view the article). Although many of the stark differences between generations are obvious, the causes and strategies for improved working relationships with both clients and apprentices might be surprising.

Consider Gen Z, since most apprentices will be born between 1996-2014. This generation is “motivated by diversity, personalization, individuality and creativity. … [They] value independence and individuality and they prefer to work with Millennial managers, innovative co-workers, and new technologies,” Cooper writes, noting that these are vast generalizations that won’t necessarily be true for everyone.

Putting it into Practice

Jason Critton, CJF (TE), AWCF, owns and operates C-Cross Farriers, a thriving multi-farrier practice in Sedalia, Colo., that predominantly consists of Millennials and Gen Zers. While Critton didn’t necessarily establish his apprentice protocols with an eye toward generational differences, he follows many of the premises that Cooper details, as well as a bit of common sense.

Like most mentors, Critton’s apprentices begin by pulling shoes, finishing and exposing them to proper trimming techniques.

“I try not to overwhelm them with too much at once,” he says. “I try…