Hi Madmart
Your in luck, I'm just on the part p section of the course, so can give you any feedback you want.
Overall it's been a good course, it's a good mix of theory and practical. Normally a couple of days in classroom, then practical then phase test on Fri morning. They throw in plumbing up a Hot water cylinder and also some central heating on the unvented which is good. The tutors are friendly and willing to help and go over things with you.
It was the cheapest I found that offered the same deals. You get the 6129 level 2, water regs, unvented, and part p at level 3 and they offer the NVQ assessments free when your out working - so long as you live within a certain distance from the centre! So be careful of that. The tiling wasn't much to write home about, just a quick heads up putting tiles up etc! Not sure if your looking at solar which is another option.
The tools were pretty beat up, they don't seem too keen to change them and the free tool kit isn't upto much really.
I suppose it's like any other centre, they give you the basics to get through the 6129 and exams and throw in some of their own experiences, but everything is based on passing.
Some of the guys on the course asked to do Part L as an add on which they did over 2 nights at an extra cost.
Just don't be fooled into thinking that this is the end of the cost though - you only get told about things later on, like joining the competent persons schemes and testing kits needed for part p. This course only covers defined scope so you can only do work relating to where you are working, ie new plug for washing machine, or new circuit for shower. The competent persons schemes costs £300+ and the test equipment from £500. If your thinking of going self employed you need these things!
The Heat membership is a waste of time, its an internal thing that is not set up properly, and the placement team seem to concentrate on the gas people.
It's like most things, you need to hassle them to get things done!
Some of the guys have been staying over at the hotel they use and I get the impression it's not of the greatest standard.
Hope this has given you some thing to think about. Obviously I can't compare it to others but they have given me everything I thought they would. Been in a group that has had a good laugh with the trainers who have given it back too, so that makes things tick on nicely.
10 weeks ago I knew nothing and everything was daunting, now it seems to make sense, so they must have taught me something.
Give me a shout if you need anymore info.
Now the really hard part comes - getting a job!!!! It's all about banging on doors and not being afraid of the knockbacks as them come!
,way to go.respect
