I heard the same.
However, for a distance learning college, they are really good. I've made it through the first two week practical and am submitting modules 13 - 24 now. (I've done the work, it just takes time to keep getting the code to access the TMA on the CD).
The first two weeks helped me get confidence with the practical side, it was quite intensive and I enjoyed it all. I attended the new centre in Hartlebury near Kidderminster. The centre was really well equipped, they have a canteen and free internet access on breaks. The tools and bays are neat and new. The tutors spent loads of time asking if you neeed any help and were always around. If you ever asked for help, you get full-on help, felt good to have that level of tutoring.
I had already done week 1 and 2 in Southampton last year, which was for the 'foundation level'. Unfortunately this was for the 6128 which became redundant, so when I upgraded to the intermediate tech cert 6129 level 2, I had to retake the week 2 this year. (I did still get the 6022 and 6032 C&G from last year plus the extra practice).
Southampton was good too, but not as good as Hartlebury.
I'm looking forward to taking my next two weeks in the next few months.
The only problems I've had with this course is the booking of the practical. I was quite lucky this time to get a booking for only 1.5 months in the future (October 4th) after I had completed module 12. The thing was, if I couldn't have made that week, I would have had to wait at least until February / April for a space.
They seem totally booked up, so it extends the time it takes to finish. It's compounded by the fact that you can't book it until the modules are completed. So there's a gap in learning.
Apart from that, the study books are good. I complimented mine by buying the Heinemanns Plumbing NVQ level 2 study book which is excellent for cross reference. I woudl highly recommend it, it's about £20 on Amazon.co.uk
I read the scare stories too, but I haven't really seen any evidence of it.
My biggest worry which does seem to be aparent is the lack of placements out there. People with better qualifications (full NVQ 2/3 + Gas Safe [ACS] + Part P) are struggling to get placements so how can I expect to get work when I finish my lowly tech cert 6129?
It seems the only way in to the industry is to buckle up and get self-employed. It sounds exciting to me and I think I'd be ok, there's just the feeling that to learn alongside someone would really be the best. I wouldn't mind shadowing someone for no pay, as long as I could learn about the 'real' work that happens in the real world. The troubleshooting and small tricks can only be picked up this way.
I've already written to local plumbers / contractors in my area, but I was deafened by silence. I called too, but most of the time I was told politely 'no' (even for working for free).
One of the students mentioned that his course type (full / advanced or something) includes getting placements with a company in the price. I suggest that it's worth it if you can get a guranteed placement, even for an extra thousand pounds or whatever. I think the benefit will be immense. Plus the reduced stress of trying to find someone to take you on.