Jason

Hello,

I already have a thread, but this is something a little different, so I thought I'd create a new thread.

I've been struggling to find an apprenticeship, a decent one anyway. Today, a Plumbing leaflet came through my letterbox -- and this is what this thread is all about.

The website from the leaflet is: Trainfortradeskills - Contact Us

The leaflet just gives information on why demand for Plumbers is so high. Such as, 500,000 new homes are to be built by 2020 (source CITB).

If you visit the site listed above, then some of you may of heard of this company. I'd appreciate if someone could give me some feedback on this, as it does look very promising.

I plan booking an appointment at my local Connexions & take the leaflet with me, but I thought I'd ask you lot first.

Thanks in advance.

Kind Regards,
Jason

razal

Jason it looks very promising because they want your money.

There are various posts re this fast track taining process, most in the know , will tell you dont waste your money.
If you have never had any practical experience in the construction industry, after your course you will be flapping like a fish out of water, and a few thousand pounds lighter.
I believe you have been given plenty of advice in your other thread , whether you choose to take note or not is up to you.
Believe me this not protectionism like some would say from a time served person, there is no doubt new blood is needed, but this aint the way to go for someone like yourself.
Ask yourself if it was that easy , why is there still a shortage ( dont actually believe it personally ), everyone paying to do a 6 week or less course, earning straight away and filling the percieved gap makes it even more unlikely, there are hundreds who have taken this route only to find the reality is very different.
Government needs to seriously address this problem by giving potential employers financial help to take on apprentices to train and gain the more vital experience of actually doing the job.
There are no fast fixes to get over this, apart from being underhanded imo to promote these courses, it is insulting to those who took a long time to be properly qualified and experienced, and those who wish to be the same.

Jason

I see what you're saying, but it must be pretty good.

I hate college courses. You find it hard to concentrate, as a larger group are being taught. You are paying for this course because you have a personal tutor. My cousin payed for an IT course and now holds a MSME award. I'm not saying it's perfect, but they must be legit, otherwise they would be closed down.

Anyway, I do appreciate your reply -- it is very much appreciated. I've got an adviser for them ringing me to give more details about it, so I'll see what they say. I'm also going to take the leaflet down to my local connexions and see what they say.

Many thanks,
Jason

razal

Thats the problem Jason, people getting IT courses etc confused with jobs that need more than a good brain.
I am not saying they aren't bonafide training establishments, just that they dont care whether you are actually able to do the job, they even state that should you not pass the course, you can re take it free of charge.
I have four children the eldest one wants to be an electrician, he has done a year at college , helps out a sparky pal of mine at times, and still he is a cack-handed bugger, aint his fault its just the way he is , would be far better using his brain in ie IT, get my point ?

Jason

I understand what you're saying, yes. I was going to do an IT course with my cousin, but I don't want to be sitting at a computer hours on end, day after day.

However, I've always been a practical guy, despite being good at computers. And a big plus, I enjoy fixing things.

I've asked a few businessmen over at here, too: Paid Plumbing Course - UK Business Forums - the UK's most active help and advice forum for owners, managers and entrepreneurs of small businesses and startups.

Many thanks,
Jason

Jason

Hi guys,

Found another course: Building Trade Skills Centres - Tel: 020 8391 3055

In Manchester, so not too far from me. I'd be interested to know what you lot think about it -- you just need to read the site.

Kind Regards,
Jason

razal

Look down a few posts Jason, already plenty of opinions there

mehera

Dont listen to razal jason as he is a predudiced twisted inbred type who will give you negative feedback.

I have done fast track and have my own business established, and i get many jobs as I am cheaper, more honest and less ugly than most time served plumbers!!!

I would not advertise your status and interest to other plumbers unless you want insults.

I am going to do a website which will act as an apprentiship into all of the trade secrets that you need to do the job and no one else will tell you . .

One in the eye for the TSP's!

Jason: good luck mate

Razal: pizz off you pesimistic toss-pot!

Razal =

ajs heating

you still banging on about that bloody website.

your a fast track so you don't know any tricks of the trade
you can't even manage to answer anyones questions on here cause don't know the answers.

been in the game to long to know someone who knows what they are talking about.
and you don't.

as for being cheaper you'll loose alot of work being the cheapest as anyone wanting a proper job will not take the cheapest quote.

the only people that want jobs done on the cheap are the ones that don't care if its bodged or not as long as it works.
as for your business won't last long either.

so when you can compete with the pro's and run your own business that make a profit and you can employ other workforce to work for you then come back.

but at the moment your just small time to me and i just tread over people like you every day.

Jason

ajs heating, is that's aimed towards me, then we'll see who has the whip over who in a few years time. In fact, I couldn't care less about you.

I'll go ask a few professional "businessmen" as I'm obviously not going to receive the answers I'm looking for here.

Thanks to everyone who helped.

Kind Regards,
Jason