Train4trade skills some advice please

[Esox]

I recently had a lady come round from train4trade skills and we watched some dvd`s and went through the training scheme and it all looks quite interesting.I am 32 and its hard for me to get employed so i can achieve my NVQ`s thats why i enquired about the course.You do your level 2 and NVQ level 3 and NVQ and your part p electrical etc and then they say they will try and place you into employment in your local area.It all sounds very nice as i have always liked plumbing and done my own jobs,family and neighbours bits and peices.Are these course certificates you get,really not worth the paper they are printed on?I am not going on this course just to so i can get qualifications quickly,i am old and know one wants to employ me but i really like the jobs and i know its not big bucks most of the time.I have read some bad write ups can anyone,honestly,fill me in.I dont want to waste thousands of pounds but what can someone like me do?

 

[ctp]

Follow this link.

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-courses/1160-train-4-trade-skills.html#post5237

Not much on there at the moment but we'll see what happens. Also I'll let people know how things work out with my investigations.

Already it seems trade4train skills is talking bull about the ned for plumbers. The guy who came to see me said there was a shortage of 10' of thousands. From what I've been reading this seems to be untrue.

Fast Track Plumber Training - Beware

 

[MickW]

I would take with a large dollop of salt any claims that there is a shortage of plumbers at the moment.

When large sites of new build were going flat out, it may have been true for that sector, but any sites of new build are few and far between at the moment.

 

[Kings]

Firstly you are not old! Secondly - if you want to get into plumbing then you can teach yourself all the theory from books like the ones from R D Treloar - I use the 3rd edition Plumbing for reference which covers NVQ 2&3, they are full of relavant info.
For the practicle side look at doing an adults education course or something similar at a local college - fraction of the price. Also look at short courses but be careful as it's a mine field. I would recommend something like the builder training centre in Croydon.

If you get loads of quals it won't automatically get you a job.

The best route is to talk to local Plumbers to see if you can work with them for little or no pay on a part time basis - this is tricky if your goals are to be direct competition to them.

"If" there is a real shortage in your area then look at business start ups, start by researching how many plumbers you have in the area and talk to the merchants as they generally have a good idea of whats going on.

Good luck!