Sorry for not updating this sooner but i'll now tell you where i'm at!
Started my course at The Plumbing Academy in August, and from the off i was really good - class of 10 (6 full timers and 4 part timers) which created a great atmosphere, couldn't have wish for a better group. We had a great tutor Mick, cannot express how easy he was to understand (imo the best tutor there). The support staff were so helpful and very good at explaining things (especially Pete, who also was great at putting tasks into real life context!). Had good facilities - not great but good, and with the wealth of knowledge on hand i passed the City and Guilds with no problems (even if i was ******* myself at having a new exam every week! Even passed a few with 100% so happy enough!
And for the Present... I was fortunate to be able to start working with my mate as his apprentice from October, and have been learning every day since, we are very busy with alot of his customers and us gaining contracts from my contacts too, so life is looking up!
The course is great for gaining a qualification, but since being out in the real world, it really opened my eyes, it's totally different and theres a hell of a lot to learn once you get out there!!
Right now for the not so good bits...
Please note none of the following reflects on the support staff or training staff who are top of there game! this is just info for those who want an honest opinion of the centre.
Don't listen to the sales guys! the groups have now risen to 12/14 in a group and in my opinion they just don't have enough room for groups that size! we had the group behind us getting in the way of our tasks and to be honest it got annoying having no space to work!!
I only did the City& Guilds Level 2 - now DO NOT be under the impression this gives you NVQ2 as part of the package. It doesn't as we all found out! that's another £2K (rip off as a local college will be cheaper for the assesors to come out and visit you on site - been quoted £500 myself)
Do not sign up for Level Three if you think you'll get your Gas Safe - you won't! they tell you that you need to have level three for gas, which isn't true (it's another course). Level three is mainly class based and covers stuff like quoting and designing systems (you can learn that out on site)
As two guys on my course and one from the group below found out, if you try and pull out of part 3 you are in for one hell of an awkward time. The owner will persue you for the money and generally play dirty in order to get your money - hold onto city and guilds folders, not allow you to sit exams etc.
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My words of advice are - do not buy a package untill you get clear, written info on what you will end up with!
I think that may make me come across as slightly reluctant to recomend the centre. I'm not - just after being in such a great group of guys, with a great tutor, my experiance of the sales/owner have left a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth! you guys have been warned!
