Train 4 Trade Skills

[johnmess]

Hi Old Soutie,

Currently there are no requirements for plumbers to be qualified in the UK to work. I would only think that getting work with a company or small buisness might be hard if you have no practial experiance.

If you do find it hard getting a job with a company there is nothing legaly stopping you from being self employeed.

One thing though I would suggest you learn though is water regulations for England, Scotland or Nothern Ireland depending on where you want to work.

Good luck

 

[LUCIALIA]

Had an e-mail from them this weekend confirming that they will pay up to £150 per week accomodation/traveling expenses.

 

[greg1968]

hi there, was just browsing thru the site and so your post.. i started last december on the course and am really enjoying it.. just on module 8- the dreaded water regs... how u doin on the study? was interested in u sayin about workin away as im wantin to go to canada when im finished on the course... regards greig

 

[Alan35]

Hey Greg, Im sitting water regs test this coming week, Apparently its open book according to bpec website and approx 40 questions. Had a email from them the other day after asking bout it.

cheers

 

[bcharalambous]

train 4 trade skills feedback.

this will be the last new thread on t4ts that i do.. i just want people on the course to leave honest feedback, like how far you are into the course, what you think about doing the water regs without any on the job experience, what you thought about the 2 weeks practical, what route are thinking of taking after getting your qualifications, etc.. also would like to hear from people who have passed the course, whether or not you have been succesful or not... like i said before, i only want feedback from t4ts students, not 'time-served' moanerzANDgronerz. thanks..

 

[chrisd28]

Re: T4TS, Starting my practical tomorrow

hi everyone, also doing t4ts. level 2 modules completed. didnt think i would get the next lot until i'd done the practicals. practicals booked for late august. One tip people, if you're looking to complete quickly, then you need to book the practicals as soon as you get the letter to do so after module 11 i think. the gap between available dates can be up to a few months away, so book early. it wont be within a few weeks.
anyway, just wanted to ask, do you do the level 2 C&G exam within those 2 weeks. i thought the practicals were first, then you booked somewhere to do the exam. Is it written multiple choice, or is it the computerised gola exam. do you need to revise or open books
Also do you do the water regs certificate or is that seperate. ive still got the sticker for the water regs module.
hopefully someone will know what i'm on about
thanks
chris

 

[Alan35]

Re: T4TS, Starting my practical tomorrow

I havnt done mine through T4TS but all the centres that do the practical training involve much the same thing I did mine though skills centre and I think alot of these training providers use the same centre as each other.

Ive just done and completed my course, I dont hink you get a bpec certificate, just a card with your photo on it, they will take the sticker off you when you go up there wouldnt worry bout that.

There was no Gola exam for me. I did my training through ATL in Featherstone (near Wakefield) Week one was just bending and soldering a basic written test on general plumbing, week 2 was setting up a direct cylinder to a bathroom suite there was no test it was just a practical assesment - but I have been told this has now changed and incorporates a test at the end. Then the dreaded water regs test, but its not so hard as its open book, but pays to be aware of where things are in the modules.

All I got was C+G certificates, one for each week then followed by bpec card you get in post once its gone through (still waiting) I did the unvented hot water storage as part of my final week aswell so will get CITB card for that.

Cheers.

 

[truemanufan]

Re: train4 trade skills new starter

Hi all i have been doin the t4ts course now for about 1-2 months! i have just completed module 4 and am waiting for the next lot of work to be delivered. i am also in the process of asking local plumbers if i can come and be a joey the odd day and work for him voluntary once a week to gain valuable experience and start building up my portfolio. I would recommend this to all new starters for 2 reasons 1 to gain experience before the practical so that you are not going into the practical without doing anythiong remotely hands on and 2 to build up the portfolio for the NVQ. Everything benefits yourself doin things like this so i will be doin as much as poss. Good luck all!

 

[stecunners]

Re: train4 trade skills new starter

hi all t4ts students,,,,just submitted tma 18, been on the course since december 08,the last few modules are all about business, how to get customers,how to keep them once you've got them, advertising,web site design,paperwork,invoices,the list goes on..its quite interesting but some of the multiple choice answers are so easy,just common sense really...
i am booked to go for two weeks practical in september, have been waiting a while now but that was the earliest they could fit me in...
The course overall is enjoyable you can study at your leisure,the water regs module 8 i think ,takes a lot of digesting, i still occasionally pick it up and have a read from time to time...for the people that have just started the course i say stick at it and if you find yourself getting bored,put it away and try the day after, works for me...

 

[jayd1974]

Hi i have just read your post i to am on the t4t course i am on mod 15 been at it now for 11 months i am waiting to go down and do my practicall i have been told you do two weeks training but on the phone they told me after that now i am doing my other mods am on 15 i go down again for another two weeks is this true thanks mate good to ear the trainers are good nice one james.

 

[arch]

hello to all you people on train4trades courses. ive done the foundation course and just found out ive got to wait up to 10 weeks for my certs.
also because i was told certain things like its 2weeks training then 3weeks training ididnt bother studying the study guide. the person who sold me this course, a guy named steve, told me all sorts of lies like id get £800 worth of tools i got about £150 worth. he also said the course i paid for was the full c&g course but of course it isnt. also the actuall course was supposed to include shower fitting, it didnt. i would advise anyone thinking of having anything to do with this company to seriously think again, there are plenty of other training providers out there, some even help with placements, trade4trade basically just want your money.
i know it sounds like sour grapes but i dont want others wasting money on a course that may not help them, dont get suked in like i did.

 

[jcgillies]

I am currently looking at doing a plumbing course and particularly through T4TS, from reading every bodies posts on here I am not to sure. What I have decided to do is send an email over to them, I got about 10 questions for them to answer, I think in the process of typing the email I had made the decision not to use them.

Anybody suggest any other companies?

 

[Winston]

I genuinely believe that many of the courses are taking advantage of individuals who are unhappy with thier current jobs or the media making out that plumbers earn loads of dosh. I attended a fast track course and learnt loads, but I went with very little plumbing knowledge apart from my DIY attempts.

I think anyone who is considering courses needs to be very careful as its a load of money, and one year from finishing my course I learn every day I am working. There isnt the work out there that the courses make out and you are very unlikely to find employed work. This then leaves you to go out on your own, but you wont really have the skills that are required to cover all apects of plumbing.

And this is where you need to be honest with yourself and your customer, dont take on jobs if you dont know what your doing, try and find a good local plumber that you can pass it onto. He may in return pass on stuff they are not interested in, and they may even show you how the jobs done.

I would also like to point out plumbing is not easy far from it and you would be suprised as to how long jobs take, and you also need to build up experience to find alternative methods of completing the jobs.

 

[bunny78]

The only advice I could give anyone is 1 day at collage 4 days employed 4-5 years later=fully qualified.
I know I going to get bombarded I cant get a job bit maybe this is a sign.
I have approx 3 calls a week for people wanting to work for free just so they can get experience.
Working for some one first makes ALL the difference and will boost confidence.
good luck in your endevours.

 

[arran123]

Re: train 4 trade skills feedback.

i,m doing the course too, thr practicals are with atl who are fantastic.

 

[stevib]

Re: train 4 trade skills feedback.

does anybody think train4trade is worth doing

 

[andrewcplatt]

Re: train 4 trade skills feedback.

Train 4 trade skills is no scam.If you are in full time employment,like i am and couldnt commit to fulltime plumbing studies,then i believe its the way to go.Looking around at pricing,i believe that for me,the price is a good one.At the end of the day,its up to you how succesful you want to be in the trade.Its a good platform to build on once qualified.

 

[tattffpigs]

hi im just going to start the course and i can wait, so you think when i finish i will find a job with the t4t skills.

 

[dave1]

Re: train4 trade skills new starter

they are building a centre in luton aswell but not sure yet as to completion date im holding out for luton as close to it, is anyone else struggling to get to grips with electrical side?

 

[david williams]

most of these fast track courses should be looked apon as bare basic to enter the plumbing trade.you cant train a plumber in 16 ,weeks it only takes 6 weeks acording to reactfast .all these fast track training copanies are trading on old statistics there are no longer 30,000 plumbing jobs out there. if there ever were. plumbing companies will try avoid employing you if you have done one of these courses because they know you do not know enough to be able to the work.they have their custermer base to think of the last thing they want is to send a plumber who has to keep phoning the office to find out what to do it does not look good on them.and there are legal and insurence issues.as for this older plumbers are ignerant of new concepts rules and regulations [that of course all fast track plumbers know] a good plumber is always learning and keeping abrest of all new legistration,thats why they are still working.i dont blame anyone wanting to be aplumber it has earned me agood living over the years,but to show the state of the industry now a lot of the polish plumbers[and they are not all bad plumbers]are now going home due to the lack of work.

 

[Marcelle]

hi this is a very interesting post as im battling to find the right course for me but this sounds absolutely perfect please can you forweard on details of exactly what course you did with trade for skills and what sort of work you got after. id really appreciate a speedy reply as I have an interview with access2 trade careers tomorrow doing a plumbing and gas course which is 6028???

thanx for your time and help

marcelle

 

[david williams]

Re: tony bryden from train 4 trade skills

where are you all going to go when you finish these cources,check with local plumbers in your area to see about employment,you may change your mind about spending your money.and its not just old plumbers not wanting you to become plumbers,its lack of work in the industry.and as i found out the other day from a freind of my son who has done a fast track course,he called me in to sort out something he was not sure of,his mate who did the course with him ,thought he new better than any plumber who qualified more than two days before him, so its not all one way

 

[bcp]

Re: tony bryden from train 4 trade skills

Sorry but 'these people' are not necessarily 'gits'. They are salesmen. Selling is a legitimate profession in order to earn a living. If there is an issue with misrepresentation on any aspect (this applies for any training company) - contact trading standards. Route out and expose the cowboys!! Anyone signing up for, or contemplating entering the plumbing trade (trade is not a dirty word - it means skill and something anyone having it should be proud of) needs to be wary of salesmen (as in any other arena). The bottom line is :- Is there work after training? Is there any work at all? Are you looking to go self-employed or hope for employment with a firm? Can you hack being self-employed? Can your partner if you have one? Can you bide your time whilst building a business? Is the course worth the money?. Is plumbing for you? Ask youselves ALL these questions BEFORE signing with any firm and DO some research. Yes there is work out there but not a lot and prices are lower than ever: competition is fierce! Lastly gang, remember - if and when you face the big wide world with your new tools and skills, you will have to become salesmen yourselves coz work sure-as hell wont come knocking on your door. For the record, I run a small plumbing concern: I am not a training provider salesman or linked with or to any training provider.

 

[secret squirrel]

Re: tony bryden from train 4 trade skills

I agree with bcp 100 per cent. I did a fast track course at the beginning of this year and have been in business for about 4 months. Its hard going, its a struggle.

Courses don't teach the intricasies of plumbing, the problems you come across, what to expect, what happens when it goes wrong. what to do if you just don't know what to do. What to carry on the van. What to charge, when that 30 minute job turns into 4 hours and its one thing after the other.

Yep, its fun on the course, thinking you've turned the water off, soldered all the joints correctly but as soon as you go into a house there's no fun then.... that mistake is expensive. You haven't quite frozen that pipe although you've followed the instructions..........

I can honestly say that I have never read instructions on packets as much as I have in the last few months. These fast track courses can do many things but they can never give you experience....... I am leaning something new every job, even if its a tap washer.

Everyone must be careful when handing over that amount of money and not make an on the spot decision, my advice, think very carefully before handing over a huge amount of money, Plumbing is not an easy route to riches, its extremely hard work with many highs and lows. If you need a regular income with paid holiday and sick leave do not go down the self employed route.

I tried applying for the college route but it was still going to cost me a lot and I was too old for most of the courses, so fast track was my only option.

Having said about the self employed route, dependent on your age and financial needs it may be the only route.

Whatever you decide college or fast track. Good luck and expect hard work.

 

[kwakerdude911]

yeah 6 weeks would be too much in one go -

 

[kwakerdude911]

if u dont have an nvq u will have probs getting work - nvq's are work based as well as theory - from what u are saying you havent done this
trade 4 trade have had more bad press then good so gives us an idea - there are pros and cons
i done a course which i had to pay for because the government wont help people over a certain age as far as education is concerned and took that over 2 years so was able to digest everything
some courses like this are ok i would say to do
obviously if u are leavin school get on a full time course for nothing !

 

[newbie1]

Re: tony bryden from train 4 trade skills

another spot on post secret
was putting a boiler and 4 rads in the other day in a void house so no flooring/carpets turned water on fine
fired up the heating pipe expanded and pop pin hole on a joint water spurting out

 

[IPB Plumb]

Re: tony bryden from train 4 trade skills

Secret I am with you totally...

I retire when I am 50ish... Problem is that's to old too get gainful college experience over a two/three year course. I will need a fast track course and then go it alone and build on experience and learn and start off slowly...

I will be in the lucky position of having money and backing to do this even if it doesn't work out... I don't want to retire and sit and be bored every day. I will just try and tag along to some bigger jobs with someone else and hopefully the country will be a little more straight by then and there will be jobs for everyone !!!!!!!!! Pigs may fly to.....

 

[anonplumber]

Re: train4 trade skills new starter

I loved train 4 trades. I rushed through my first books as I was so excited only to then have to wait 7 months to get on my first practical. when i finnally got to go on it i was shocked to find out it was in wakefield or luton, I was sold that the course was in scotland! When I did get to wakefield I found that I wasn't alone, 6 other scots were told the same thing and others were also told the training centre was near them. The trouble didn't stop there. when i got to weeks 3and4 practicals (6 months after compleating tma's) we were taught the opposit to things in the books, the exam question had things that we were never told (1 out of 16 people passed). There were so many other problems that I could go on all day listing. During break time in the busy tearoom someone got up on a table and asked "is anyone satisfied with t4ts?" There was a few second silence followed by roars of laughter.
I have made my name anon as at the moment 11 of us have clubbed together to take t4ts to court.

 

[anonplumber]

Re: train4 trade skills new starter

don't worry about water regs. Its open book and the test even gives you the page AND paragraph to look in.

 

[rfvpatlttp]

Re: train4 trade skills new starter

OK guy's, I was studying plumbing through PlumbingSkills and the Skills Centre (Cardiff) until they went belly up but because my practicals were held at ATL in Southampton, who have now taken over the admin side from PlumbingSkills and the Skill Centre aswell I have been transfered onto the Train4Trades course in order to continue my training.

I was booked in at ATL for the end of this month to do my third week, the Bpec WRAS Water Reg's but it got cancelled because of the switch over and I had to wait for the T4TS course work to arrive so they could assess my knowledge and Plumbing skill for inclusion onto the T4TS course.

Basically starting all over again.

The first course module arrived yesterday along with a couple cd/dvd's and instructions on how to access the online student website and the Tutor Team. The problem is, you are supposed to use your 'college number' as your username. The only numbers I have are my Student Ref Number and my C&G enrolment registration number neither of which the T4TS website recognise and you can't contact T4TS any other way at the weekend because their office hours are from Monday to Friday! Duh!

 

[covkid]

Has anybody had the same problems as me with train4tradeskills there course adviser coming to your house telling you a load of lies to get you to sign up.then when you ask about going on your 1st practical you are told you have to pay £1000 first and then payed up in full before you can go on any more practicals.( i know my own fault i should have read the terms & condtions) also a 24 month course-35 month finance agreement ????????

 

[covkid]

if its trian 4 tradesskills check your t&c on the back of your enrollment form on what u have to pay before you go for practicals

hello i am in the same boat as you i have emailed bbc watchdog to see if they will take up the story of how t4t are ripping people off

dont use t4t they rip you off you have to pay£1000 before you go to your 1st practical and be fully paid up before you go on any others check there t&c

 

[arran123]

Re: train 4 trade skills feedback.

They do get you a work placement for nvq test if u cant find one yourself but its not a permanent job

 

[rfvpatlttp]

Re: train4 trade skills new starter

Can only assume you are replying to my posting but I am ALL PAID UP. PlumingSkill finance paid off.

Plumbob ATL sent me and all the student a list of local guest houses around Hedge End and the training centre, they varied in price. Practicals usually ran from 8 to 5 Mon to Fri.
Didn't need to book a guest house myself as I have a friend in Portsmouth who let me stop there for the week, thank God or I would be looking at £50 to £100 each visit plus travel costs getting there.
There were loads of guys from Wales on my training session so Midlands shouldn't be to out of the way and there were a lot of working Plumbers and Electrician turned up in their works vans on practicals and classroom sessions while I was there. Some working for firms and others had gone it alone.
The training I received there was good and passing the City&Guilds tests at the end of the week helped in building confidence, especially when the Certificates through the Post.
The practicals don't faze me in fact I look forward to them, I've already fit three bathroom suites, repaired a couple wc's, replaced leaking compression fittings with soldered joints, fit a couple kitchen sinks, plumbed in a dishwaher, drained and flushed radiators on a central heating system and fit a MagnaClean.
Make sure you buy your own JTL Plumbing books, they are invaluable, a pipe bender to practice at home and I can't remember who it was earlier but don't be put off by Summit Skills, they train school leavers at college and find some of them teaboy jobs with local Plumbers while they attend on day release. You get more practical training on real jobs in a 39Hr week on ATL plumbing practical than a school leaver attending college once a week.
Ps. Check out Learnatrade.co.uk How To Become A Plumber and their training aids and resources.
I think that will do for now.