Self Employed Plumber Wanting Quals!

[Stu-B]

Go for the job interview with the council and explain to them your situation, councils like sending people on courses and letting them progress in their careers, it’s good for their overall profile. You’re more likely to get your tickets there than at any other firm, plus they’ll pay for it and pay you too... that’s a double win in my book.
Good luck pal

 

[Stigster]

I totally agree with Stu on this one. If your government departments are anything like ours, they love coming around asking what you are going to do for your personal development. To have someone training for plumbing quals will likely tick a few boxes their end and get you where you want to be too.

 

[rpm]

Edited

 

[Reese R]

Thank you for all your replies! I have just spoken again to a college near me (Manchester) who have informed me they do an Nvq only course in which I would just need to fill out my portfolio & an assessor will come out onsite to see me doing a few job, no theory is involved just all work place based... does anybody know how true that is or if they are just trying to have me over. I think if I was in the process of ticking the boxes towards my qual I would definitely have a chance of gaining a mainstream placement.

 

[Stigster]

does anybody know how true that is or if they are just trying to have me over. I think if I was in the process of ticking the boxes towards my qual I would definitely have a chance of gaining a mainstream placement.

It's true that can be done. I work at the FE college here in the plumbing dept. helping to run the C & G level 2 and 3 and although we don't have much demand for it, last couple of years one of our lecturers's has been out doing site visits for the same purpose as yours. I never saw these guys in the workshops or classroom, in fact I didn't meet them at all but they got their level 2 that way.

 

[Stigster]

Have a look at this NVQ Level 2 Plumbing Assessments. I'm not suggesting you use this company in particular but it gives the information about the C & G level 2 done solely through site visits by an assessor. You will have to come in to a training centre/college to take some computer based exams but you do not need to attend any classes, just do self study with the supplied materials. Also might be a couple of practical scenarios to complete in the college workshops but it's nothing like having to do a 4 or 5 year apprenticeship.

 

[Rob Foster]

Go for the job interview with the council and explain to them your situation, councils like sending people on courses and letting them progress in their careers, it’s good for their overall profile. You’re more likely to get your tickets there than at any other firm, plus they’ll pay for it and pay you too... that’s a double win in my book.
Good luck pal

With the council you will have a right to career development and they are required to pay and give you time off to improve yourself...its a no brainer....just go for it
centralheatking

 

[Tea-Break]

Hi Reece,
Unfortunately, you cannot do the NVQ without first successfully completing the College based Diploma
( City & Guilds 6035).
Be very wary if told differently!

 

[Susannahabigail]

Hi, I'm in a similar boat however i do have my 6035. There's a company near Dartford that do a whole variety of courses they may be able to help?? Not cheap though, but like others have suggested go for interview, council love to be seen to help and develop individuals, makes for go pr for them!! Good luck

 

[Tea-Break]

The NVQ only segment of your overall qualification, should cost approximately £1000 - £1200.
This would consist of support and explanation of how to complete your E-Portfolio. Plus of course at least three ‘on site’ visits.
Hope this helps and good luck with your careers.