MetalMickey

I agree with you buster, but you assume that everyone wants to be a corgi fitter. Thats not the case in most circumstances. if you want an entry level Qual that will give you the practical experience then you could choose any of the lvl 2 courses offered around the country.

olci do the theory home study
btsc do the practical and theory for lvl 2
btsc do the pracitcal an theory for lvl 3 and corgi, but this alone will not get you a corgi cert as you have to work for a corgi reg fitter and build up a portfolio of gas appliances...fires, cookers, boilers before you get your cert.
Theres a company in edenbridge that do the 10 week course which is about 8K but its intensive. Btsc was a flexible option, so if you wanted to change careers and do the course 1 week in every 7-8 then it suits. if you wanna dive in and do it all in 1 go then its not your best option.

I can say for anyone who wants to do a p[lumbing course, that you should research all your options.
Flexi
intensive
Lvl2
Lvl2&3
Corgi

Here is a good place to get a general idea as to what to expect from any course. READ YOUR CONTRACT and know what you are letting yourself in for.

I thought at btsc that i could just pitch up any day and do some practical training or theory, but its not 6th form college....ITS A BUSINESS MACHINE TO CHURN OUT PLUMBERS OF A CERTAIN STANDARD.

Theres no magic pill to take and wake up a plumber!

I did the btsc course and im happily fitting bathrooms and wetrooms. Thats all my training provided and thats all i wanted to do. If my circunstances change then i'll take another look at my options. Theres no way anyone is gonna become corgi reg within 2 years.

Just be aware of the facts and choose the right solution for yourself. Dont let anyone ram their opinion down your throat. Btsc was ok for me and im happy with the decision i made. it was right for me as it was flexi, if you feel that you wanna grab the skills you need, do an intensive. If you can do it at college part time then you can save yourself alot of money and you'll be alot more informed. You'll be around plumbers for longer which will give you the opportunity to ask them how to do stuff.

Ive had to solve alot of plumbing probs on my own was btsc was only avail the weeks that i was training. there's no helpline...unless you can bag yourself a job as a plumbers mate.

All views are welcome here, just gather the info you need and DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Good luck

MM