Mark H

Hi my name is Mark and i am trying to become a plumber with some problems and could use some help. I went for an interview at BTSC which is a massive training centre in Chessington Surrey. I have to admit i was impressed by there centre here is a link Building Trade Skills Centre - Tel: 020 8391 3055 . This course leads to City and Guilds Technical Certificate level 2 and consist's of 8 modules then you go on to do the City and Guilds Technical Certificate level 3. It cost a hell of alot of money £4095 just for the level 2 and thats where the problems start. Does anyone know about this course and this company and can anyone give me advice on who to talk to about funding. Thanks

Mark H

So anyway after the responce i got.....................................*cough* i booked this course and sat an apptitude test got accepted paid my fee( got the price wrong it was £4950) which included all the study books you need then sat and passed Health And Safety exam and i start my course on the 25th feb with luck.I have to say i was impressed very much by the BTSC centre in Chessington. The course it self has one week of practical work then 2-3 weeks of study and then 2 exams (one for C&G the other BTSC ) this is for each module so they give you 12 months to complete the level 2 C&G tech cert but most complete it within 8-9 months depending on how quick you can learn. Its not a quick way by any means but from what i have seen from it so far it is prob the best way IMO. They have just opened a new centre in Manchester and are hoping to open more across the country. Just thought i would let you know as no one seemed to know anything

uug197h

thanks for this info Mark please keep us informed on how your doing and if you think the course is worth it

thanks uug

Plumbing Forum Moderator

kelvinc

Hi Mark,

I went down to the centre on tuesday and have been offerered a place. Im very keen on starting the course although due to commitments will have to wait until June. I was really impressed with the centre, although the rep who i met seemed such a salesperson! and not sure why you need to be interviewed and tested if its US who are paying. Would be good to know how you get on initially as i will be joining you soon.

Cheers

Kelvin

ProffesorPlumb

Let us know how you get on lads!!

Mark H

will do . i start the 25th feb so watch this space

azza

i went to the centre in manchester and my bulls**t detector was telling me something wasn't right. i get the impression that they make out like it's a priviledge to go on the course when i think i'm right in saying that anyone with the money can and do get on the course. the aptitude test is a joke. i don't see how you could fail it. the salesman from BTSC (for that is exactly what he is) told me i just about qualified to enrol but reluctantly agreed to let me on despite my numerous short comings. the theory, i would imagine, is to make you feel honoured to pay them a greater than medium-sized fortune to get them theoretical and practical training. after the first block of modules you don't seem to have anything worthwhile in the trade. the job guarantee is mis-leading because in order to get to the level where you are guaranteed on from BTSC you must already have a job. finally i've never heard testimony from BTSC graduates who have made a career for themselves.

as you guys may have guessed BTSC is not for me and i have been in contact with 3 local colleges about the 6129 course for a hell of a lot less than BTSC are charging.

nick penfold

God, there's more money in teaching plumbing these days than working in the industry as a plumber.....sounds like the old driving instructor training situatuion that went on a few years ago.

Loads of people im on an NVQ plumbing course at a COLLEGE dont have jobs yet. My course is 90% funded by the government, only cost £2000 for both 6129 and 6082 plus automatic entry on to NVQ3.

The college are helping guys with finding work placements and you have that safe feeling of not bein fleeced.

Mark H

Sorry to hear you had a bad time with there centre in Manchester . I am doing the course now started today 25th feb and have found it be ok. The course i imagine was aimed at younger people to start with so the app test is more to see whether they would stick at it and not waste there money sort of test. £4940 is inline with most other training company's sometimes more (OLCI) and is mainly home study where as this place is straight in with pract work on day one.

The BTSC have only been around for around 3 years in total so i am not suprised you have not heard much about grads(they have 98% pass rate). As for a job they try and get you a work placement after you have compleated C&G tech cert level 2 and 3 which these days most employers require( you then start your level 2 NVQ)which is the part you need a job for. You will also be a C&G qualified bathroom fitter after the level 2 which people want to fit bathrooms now because of the new HIPs thing. There are no colleges in my area that do 6129 they only do the NVQ and you need to be in job so that is not an option for me. And the fact i am 33 years old it all goes against me. So this the only way i have to do it.

From what i have seen so far it is ok my first day went well (cutting copper pipes 15 mm 22mm to specs and bending pipes and more health and safety) but i enjoyed it and thats the main thing

I say give it ago

stuart010378

I've recently passed the health and safety test for the Chessington centre and Im looking forward to it. I start on the 7th April. I agree it may not be for everyone, but I got a good feeling about the place. It is a lot of money to pay, but you will earn that back soon enough once you're working. I'm of the opinion you will only get as much out of it as you put in. Yeah you have to study and put the effort in as no one said it will be easy. Im already approaching companies asking if I would be suitable to be employeed at NVQ 2 level with the intention of completeing level 3 while employed. I'm really getting into this and Im excited about a new career in plumbing. Im 30 and I think this will change my life for the better