homealone

this sounds unfair, to me, I'm presuming that a trainee will have a 'probation' period, during which, in my opinion, it is unreasonable to expect you to supply your own tools.

- in the meantime, ask about second hand tools & what you need for the absolute basics.

I don't think anyone should turn down the chance of a job on the basis of a pre-requisite that might cost money, a fork lift licence, a pet-reg certificate, a safety passport - but if the job is described as 'trainee', then in my opinion, the employer should pay for that training - and the tool kit would be built up during the training.

This sounds like a way of paying minimum wage, getting you to pay for your own tools, while retaining the 'right' to terminate your employment with a minimal period of notice.

- but, if you want the experience, then go for it, you only get experience by doing the job...