David's in charge

When the boss is away, will our trainees work or play…?

Dr Phil and the tradesmen will be off-site on Friday, so he asks the group to appoint a leader for the day. The position will come with considerable responsibility, not least because Dr Phil will be out of contact for the entire day.

What's more, a critical sign-off is due the following Monday. Door linings, the towel rail, and electrical back-boxes all need to be fitted. If the work isn't up to scratch there'll be hell to pay.

David's nomination of himself receives a luke-warm reaction from the trainees, but in the absence of challengers, he is appointed. After the meeting the group is clearly unsure about David's promotion. Greg Santos, never keen to bow to authority resolves not to accept David's rule. "I'll listen to him at break time and lunchtime and that's it".

Friday morning arrives and David is dressed for the part. In a sharp suit and tie he revels in his temporary elevation to management. Clip-board in hand, he takes role call, but while his wardrobe may have put a smile on the trainees' faces, but how would he get along on-site?

Things get off to a bad start. David tries to pull Lauren into line and she resents David's his ceaseless interrogation.

Before long things are comprehensively unravelling. David's man management skills are earning him no friends and the trainees, abandoned by their mentors, are struggling with their work. Greg Santos grapples with his doorframe, and Laurence is distracted from his bungled plumbing work by David's interference.

Adrift and unable to impose his newly-vested authority, David sends the trainees home early, admitting that it has been a difficult day. "Everything fell apart towards the end. All in all it was somewhat unsuccessful."

It's Monday morning and Andy Carson arrives for the sign-off. He quickly identifies a host of problems with the trainees' work. Among their mistakes the plug sockets have not been earthed. This is a potentially fatal over-sight.

While David compiles a list of complaints, Andy makes his feelings clear. "This isn't worth a toss. It's as pissed as they come. If one of my subcontractors did that they'd be off the job." When Andy leaves David is left to dwell on his failure. "That was depressing, Everything we've done was crap."

Dr Phil arrives to pick up the pieces. He is shocked at the electrical over-sight. "If I touch that with wet hands I'll get electrocuted," and point out that doors aren't finished. To top it all, one of the trainees has drilled 3 huge screws through a wall.

"Your target was easily achievable," says Dr Phil to the trainees. "You've let me down in a very big way. I'm disgusted. The carpentry is a mess. The plumbing looks like you've chewed it out with your teeth. And after this outstanding display you buggered off early."

The trainees are charged with the cost of putting their shoddy work right: £600 is deducted from the Completion Bonus, leaving £34,910 remaining.