Paid for intensive courses. Are they legit?

Discussion in 'Plumbers' Talk' started by Alexjrandle, Jul 25, 2019.

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Pay the money or hold out for apprenticeship?

  1. Pay up

    1 vote(s)
    33.3%
  2. Hold out

    2 vote(s)
    66.7%
  1. Alexjrandle

    Alexjrandle New Member

    Hi everyone.
    First post here.
    Would really love some advice.

    I'm a solid surface fabricator who dabbled with plumbing and at 27 I've decided I want to put a ring on the finger of plumbing and settle down with it for good.

    I've tried and failed a few times now to secure apprenticeships but I think possibly my age is a turn off for employers and I'm just not getting any takers.

    I've been enquiring now into intensive courses such as the ones provided by Options Skills which promise to bring you up to a level 2 NVQ within 12 weeks.

    I like the sound of that but I'm sceptical of sales people and the assurances that I'm receiving from them smell vaguely of cow poo.

    My question is: at between 4 to 7 grand. Are they real?
    Are the assurances of being made into a desired, highly employable, well versed plumber true or are they just a pipe dream (excuse the pun).

    Love to know your opinions ladies and gents as I don't want to get fleeced.

    Thanks
     
  2. Mike83

    Mike83 Screwfix Select

    After a 12 week course you certainly won’t be highly employable.
    Most companies would prefer to take on experienced staff for obvious reasons.

    You can’t buy experience and that’s one of the most important things.

    There will be some jobs available but it may be the ones others are avoiding.

    There are lots in the industry who done 4 year apprenticeships that are useless.
    If your keen on the job and apply yourself enough then things will work out.

    A lot of people don’t seem to agree with these courses though.
     
    Alexjrandle likes this.
  3. The Teach

    The Teach Screwfix Select

    maybe look at being a dual smart meter installer,if your good at that (being presentable and speak the local lingo) the company will need technicians to do future ongoing repairs for many years. the job aint sexy but its a long run of employment :)

    currently assisting ex forces into the above work :)

    Good luck :)
     
    Alexjrandle likes this.
  4. Alexjrandle

    Alexjrandle New Member

    Thanks Mike.

    I was worried this would be the case.
    I don't want to p*ss my hard earned savings away just to be told my NVQ is worth less than someone else's.

    Would you suggest I just keep barking up the apprenticeship tree until something falls out?
     
  5. Alexjrandle

    Alexjrandle New Member

    Thanks for replying mate.

    It's a solid idea but long term I'm looking to be self employed.
    The end goal here really does need to 've my NVQ in water and gas.

    Just need to find a way to get my foot in the door.
     
    The Teach likes this.
  6. Mike83

    Mike83 Screwfix Select

    Lots of people enter the industry this way.
    It’s what you make of it.
    A 12 week course will teach only very basic practical skills and will no experience will be gained.
    An apprenticeship teaches varied stuff.
    With an apprenticeship you can work with different people who all do things that bit different. This enhances your skill set and experience.
    If you really want to do the course then go for it.
    You could try calling some local companies and ask if you can go out with them to gain experience. If things work out then they may start passing on some jobs.
     
  7. Heat

    Heat Screwfix Select

    Surely a level 2 NVQ could be done cheaper by doing a home course?

    In the trade, the exams mean little compared to real experience
     
    kiaora likes this.
  8. The Teach

    The Teach Screwfix Select

    getting a nationally accepted qualification in plumbing or gas is the way to go.

    So many people advertising & offering plumbing services now days dont have any recent qualifications or other,can of worms
     
  9. Alexjrandle

    Alexjrandle New Member

    Yeah the bloke I spoke to at the last job I DoD (an old hand plumber up sheffield) said that the net is really tightening around plumbers and gas techs operating without a recognised cert.
    That's why I want to do it all above board.
     
  10. Alexjrandle

    Alexjrandle New Member

    I'm not sure.

    I thought it was either option a) get an apprenticeship or b) pay up.

    Or am I really thinking inside the box?
    I probably am. I can build things real good but other than that I'm generally a bumbling moron.
     
  11. Alexjrandle

    Alexjrandle New Member

    That's a really good idea Mike.
    Nothing threatening about a new kid on the bloc offering to lend labour for lessons!
     
  12. Joe the Plumber

    Joe the Plumber Screwfix Select

    Alexjrandle likes this.
  13. gas monkey

    gas monkey Well-Known Member

    lecturer took 5 of us into a class room when we had nothing to do showed us lead to copper
    got lowest marks for my job
    never looked back made a very good living
    so go for it course waste of time get with a firm who will suport you if all the sons have jobs you may get in
    good luck
     
  14. JOMEL

    JOMEL Screwfix Select

    God I feel old now
    My 5 year plumbing appentiship started January 1949. £1.17 shillings a week
    I was deferred National Service for 3 years.
    Came out of my time November the 27th 1954.
    2 weeks later 12 December I was reporting to my 1st RAF Camp.
    In 5 years you did cover most of the problems.
    You just installed gas as it was just in plumbing then.
    Check for leaks with a match. NOT in an enclosed space of course.
    Used nose in there.
    Things have changed lol

    Johnny M
     
  15. Alexjrandle

    Alexjrandle New Member

    I'll call them tomorrow.
    Thanks!
     
  16. Joe the Plumber

    Joe the Plumber Screwfix Select

    You're welcome. Almost no one has heard of the CIPHE, but I'd like to think membership gives customers a sense that you take your profession seriously.
     
  17. Tired Dad 40

    Tired Dad 40 New Member

    Hi there.
    Did you ever follow up with Options as interested in their NVQ3 for installation electrician
     
  18. Bazza-spark

    Bazza-spark Screwfix Select

    As the OP hasn't been back since 2019 I doubt you will get a response from him.

    Better to start a new thread of your own.
     
    BiancoTheGiraffe likes this.

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