We're doing some renovation at the moment. We have a lead contractor who's managing all the trades 'cos I know nothing about construction.

Every trade we've had - electricians, bricklayers, drainage guy, plumber, carpenter, etc - come as a duo. There's a guy in his late 30s or older who does the thinking, and a kid in the late teens / early 20s who are effectively labourers and lift, push, carry, drill, dig, etc. The life of the senior guy in the pair seems to be pretty good and you know they're well paid. The kids are learning, and in 10 years time will have their own labourer.