Sorry, i'm a bit late to the party.
I only come on here when i'm stuck
lol ( I do actually come on here for a browse but not as often as I'd like)
There will be another thread posted shortly with a request for info
I've had a quick read of the thread and i'm going to add my thoughts and offer some advice based on my own experience.
I completed the city and guilds 6129 in 2007 while still in the army, RE trade training. I didn't touch plumbing at all for 3/4 years after this. I believe this was half the units towards the nvq level 2, this seems to be the minimum requirement when applying for plumbing jobs from what I have seen.
I then did my gas course in the army, class 1 trade training. The course was about 9 months long, very intense with a lot to take in It was a proper course run by an ex gas engineer. I was also sent out with a gas engineer for 2 weeks to gain the portfolio evidence.
I ended up going back out with him on weekends during my last 12 months in the army for free to gain more experience. I'll be honest I didn't learn a great deal, he used me as more of a dogs body knowing I was eager to get some experience. I knew this but used the time to get used to what tools were handy to have and little things like that. We regularly discussed me going out with him full time when i left the army and he led me to believe that was what was going to happen. When it got close to happening and he asked me what i want i said i want a job and to learn, he started to talk rubbish and make out he couldn't guarantee me a set minimum each week. Basically he liked having me for free but didn't want to pay me anything. Bit of a user. The good thing is he has called me a couple of times since asking if i'm busy and if i want to help on some jobs. It was good to say no. he knew I was a hard worker but thought I was an easy touch. If you can get someone to take you on so you can learn that way it will be better than any fast track course you can ever do. You might get a piece of paper saying you are qualified but nothing beats doing it in the real world. Be careful you don't get taken for a ride.
When I left the army in 2012 I spent about 8 months in Southampton working for a heating install company, it was a really good firm, good lads and I learnt a lot. I fitted a few boilers myself while I was there and I helped out doing full system installs. I got the feeling they were going to let me go as we got in to the spring and work started to quieten down so I left. They said that wasn't the case but when I asked for a contract they weren't in a rush to give me one so I jumped rather than be left in the lurch.
I also upgraded my 6129 to the full nvq level 2 by gaining the additional evidence and completing my level 2 folder. This cost me approx 2k, i can't remember but without it I wouldn't have had the opportunities i've had. I've done a basic tiling course, my unvented qualification, part p (waste).
Back in Kent I joined a small property maintenance company and did a bit of everything, boiler changes, full systems, bathrooms, minor electrics (handy to know) and general plumbing repairs. Friendly company but always felt like I was all over the place. Money was not great but neither was my level of skill/experience. I was regularly sent to jobs close to finish time and ended up doing extra hours regularly with no extra pay. the odd immersion change here, electric shower swap there. At first I didn't mind as beggars cant be choosers but it got to the point where it became expected and I would get a bit of attitude from the boss if I couldn't do it one night. It was time to leave.
Next up was a national firm doing mostly plumbing repairs with a bit of gas work too. Money was really good if you put the hours in. Again I learnt a lot, a lot of it was basic stuff but not everything. It was a good confidence builder, you had to work fast to get jobs done, which meant you got good at identifying plumbing faults and could figure things out fast. I messed up by saying yes to covering call out all the time, taking overtime when asked. I was doing silly hours, not eating, my fault. I'd also got to the point where I needed to move on as I didn't feel as though I was going to learn much more doing what I was doing.
Now I'm doing plumbing for a social housing contract. It's not glamorous and very rarely is it demanding on the brain. It's very laid back and it's local work. No call out and you are left alone to get on with the work.
I'm also registered self employed, I have my own van and gas safe registration and insurance. I do my own jobs evenings and weekends. I'm at the point where I could go on my own, I wouldn't be rolling in it just yet but I could match my salary from my employer with out too much effort. I do what ever is going. Plumbing repairs, boiler installs, rad changes, boiler breakdowns, servicing. I get a lot of work because I work evenings and weekends when other people wont. Customers cant always be off work to be home. It's not ideal but i'm building a customer base. A lot of customers say to me they haven't been able to get a plumber for a tap change, a toilet repair, a new radiator because it's not worth it. I'll take the small jobs all day long. pound for pound they are the best earners.
I've gone overboard with the information here but I wanted to explain it clearly enough so that you get an idea of how long it can take to get to a position where you can do your own thing. I'm not a naturally gifted plumber and I'm not the fastest at what I do but I have done well in my jobs because I work hard, I'll help out and cover a job at the end of the day, I'll work my lunch to get a job finished instead of having to go back the next day.
I wouldn't recommend spending money on any courses until you have spent some time with a plumber/gas engineer and seen what's involved. See if you will enjoy the work. How will you deal with difficult customers? I have been lucky to get where I have with absolutely no experience and I mean NO EXPERIENCE but nothing has been handed to me on a plate. I have approached companies, explained my situation and asked for a job based on my limited experience, it's paid off but it's not been easy. I wanted to run before I could walk but it's impossible.
You are in the fortunate position of having some money behind you. My dad has always said life can be hard but it's even harder when you're skint. Having money will take the pressure off and allow you the time to tread carefully. Beware, a lot of companies will be more than ready to take your money and promise you jobs at the end of it which won't materialise. ex forces are known for having money to burn on courses and it's easy to be attracted to companies which promise you the earth. I have met a few blokes who have spent thousands on courses which have led to nothing because they didn't do their research. One ex army I met had spent lots on locksmith training, got qualified but didn't realise the extent of stock he had to carry at any one time to meet customers requirements along with other business running costs and he had to admit he could never do it.
Anyway I hope this has been some help. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Try and get some experience before spending out on a course even if it means doing so for free. You'll be surprised how hard it is to give away your time for free to get experience. All the best, any questions post away.
Keep visiting this site. I've been a member on here now for a while and there is a lot of clever guys on here who have helped me out no end. I don't have the luxury of having done an apprenticeship so i'm always going to be behind someone who has, I don't have that level of training but anything I need to know is usually answered on here.
