Boomer blames his generation for Gen Zs lazy work ethic: Spoiled by my generation

A veteran motorbike mechanic has blamed young workers, particularly Generation Z, for forcing him to close down his longstanding business.Dave Lawson, who opened The Bike Doctor in Perth back in December 1981, said he’s shutting up shop after 43 years.He points the finger squarely at younger workers and blames their attitude toward apprenticeships and work in general.“They’ve been spoiled by my generation,” Lawson told The West Australian.“We’ve tried to give our kids a better life than we had.

We haven’t let them tough it out and make their own mistakes.”Lawson claims Gen Z, people born from 1997 to 2012, are turning their noses up at apprenticeships because of low starting pay, yet manage to find money for what he considers lavish lifestyle choices.“A lot of young people say they don’t have money but if you have a look at their bank statements, they’re paying $50 to get a hamburger delivered,” he said.“That’s where your money’s going.You just can’t save money when you blow it like that.”Over his decades in business, Lawson says he’s only had around a dozen apprentices.

While some stayed for years, most didn’t last long, and none pursued a career in motorbike mechanics.“Within three to six months, they’re dragging their lip around the workshop,” Lawson said.“Some people expect too much.”Lawson believes the root of the issue lies in schools, where apprenticeships aren’t valued enough, with students encouraged to go to university instead.

He argues this leaves young people with huge debt and no practical experience.The problem, he says, is made worse in Western Australia due to the lucrative mining sector.“Mining is a very attractive job for young people because they can go straight into the big bucks,” Lawson explained.The Bike Doctor published a special note about the “current climate” of the trades industry on its website.“Due to a chronic skill shortage in the motorcycle industry here in WA, we find ...