fast course at trading centres, is it useless?

Martin.h.lee · Sep 16, 2011

Hi folks.
I came from S korea.
I just started my electrician training at private centre at Surrey, chessington.
I paid a lot of money for the course. This package includes 2330 level 2&3, 2382-20, 2392-20, NVQ 2356-31 level 3.
The NVQ L3 will be assessed at the workplace after I start to work as an electrician as soon as I finish 12 week intensive course.
They said they have high rate of exam pass and almost everyone who finish the training will get a job.
That sounds very good. So I enrolled the course.
the other reason why I choose this centre and this course rather than local college is that I can't stay UK for 2 or 3 years for the college course because of the VISA.
I need to get a job as soon as possible and need to extend my VISA with work permit by the company.

However, I joined this forum I found out that many people recommand local college course because it is cheapper and can learn more.
I really discouraged and disappointed about my choice.
Even though i get certifications after 12 weeks, will it be useless piece of paper which is really expensive?

Please give any advices for me to get best result from my choice though it is not the best one.
What can I do within in this situation?

fuzzydunlop · Sep 16, 2011

All depends on the basis you're staying here (visa type). Though I doubt it really matters as what you'll achieve wouldn't give you many points

*edit* btw I'm not having a dig, I worked in one of Londons leading immigration firms for 2+ years

piratebillybob · Sep 16, 2011

then go for it man. do everything you can to make it happen, dont let any negativity stop you from achieving. When i was desperately searching for an apprenticeship scheme i did everything i could think of to get one. Because i wanted to make sure that if i failed then it wouldnt be because of lack of effort on my part. Ild know that i did everything i humanely could to become a sparky but it just wasnt destined to be. And because of that i would go down fighting and lose honourably. youre here for another year, show the employers exactly how dedicated and determined you are and that may compensate for any places where you fall short.

alarm man · Sep 16, 2011

personally i think your english is fine,it gets worse when your challenged tho,im not sure if im reading martin or compare the meerkat,something doesnt ring true.

Brightlysparkly · Jun 19, 2012

Hi Marin, I'm new here just found your post though its been a while back. I am wondering how did it go in the end with your course, did you find it all greatly useful? I just heard about them (same location) and embarking on similar mission as you, what would you advise me, please?

Thanks, Jon.

cantabrian9 · Jun 19, 2012

dasa NE1 said:
Hi Martin , The best way forward in my opinion is what I told you yesterday to find a local spark either someone you know or by standing outside local electrical suppliers and hand out leaflets to every spark who gets out of van . Tell them you will work for free at weekends after college or work. Times are hard at the moment no companies are taking on trainees at the moment and the ones who are use JTL or similar set ups to bring apprentices through. The domestic sparks are fighting to make money against cowboys , cheap oversees farmers and teachers etc coming over and working as sparks mates for dodgy firms charging peanuts for jobs and cutting every corner they can. So although it sounds bleak there will be some domestic sparks who will look at it as good investment some free labor for their knowledge. This my friend cannot be bought there are some brilliant sparks out there who can teach you more than any college, book or course ever will. There is not and never will be a substitute for a good teacher the best people to teach you are the guys who have done it since they were 15 years old when there was no training academy’s or quick 6 , 12 or 24 week courses . To be a good competent spark it takes years not weeks. Theory is important you need to understand the fundamentals of electrical safety and all its principles but it means nothing without a good spark taking you under his wing and teaching you all he knows. You have committed to your course both financially and in study use it as the first step to your career not the only step .Don’t be second guessing it now it’s done . The qualifications you will get are industry standard now so every job you apply for in the future will ask for them. So invest as much of your time as you can spare with a spark as this is the best investment you will ever make in your career. It’s worked for dozens of people I know and everyone wins.
Good luck my friend and always look for the opportunity there is always an avenue.
Hope this helps

Kind Regards Das

well spoken (or posted!) had an apprentice a few years ago ,his lecturer! said YOU DONT DO IT LIKE THAT!!!! I SAID BRING HIM ON THE JOB!!! paper work is OK , BUT without EXPERIENCE????????????

Martin.h.lee · Jun 19, 2012

Hi Jon.
I think it depends on your situation.
If you are young and have UK citizenship, I think you had better go to college. It would be much cheaper and be prefered by componies and other electricians.
Even though studying at evening class of college would take years, you can work part time as an electricians mate or another daytime job. This case the financial pressure will be much easier.

I choose BTSC because I had no choice. I am 35 years old(means no time of 2-3 years for training) and foreigners(it means expensive tuition for college). I paid over 9000 pounds for fast track 12 weeks courses up to 2330 level3, 2382 17th edition, and 2392 inspectino and testing). But it took more than 8 months to finished it.(I passed all the theory tests and practical tests with good grades which is meaningless for getting a job, in my case) The bottom line is that BTSC fast track is not actually fast.
Alternatively, you can try slow track at BTSC(basically it is part time course-you study 1 module(1week), then wait for another module until the centre open that module, but BTSC's course arrange system is rubbish.

If you have enough electrical working experiences(or currently working for someone) and just need qualifications, maybe BTSC(or other fast track providing training centre) would be worthy to try.

Just remember that all what I said is limited by my personal experiences and personal opinion. I recommand you to search more at this forum and get more advices from many electricians.

Good luck mate

Brightlysparkly · Jun 19, 2012

@Cant: Yeah thanks, I read top posts, I hadn't just given much detail since the original thread is old and didn't want to particularly start a new one just yet. But to shed more light, I guess its just about what meets ones situation and looking how to make the best of it - without anyone getting me wrong.

I have worked in construction for more than a couple of years now and also have a technical degree (which people laugh at on site, lol). Along the line I have worked as a mate, also have spent time in other roles. My case is I only need the proper qualification to be more accepted in this field, I already have lots of technical understanding (theory + hands-on), upon which I can build relevant experience. Many sparks I know are happy to help in this area and I have no problem working as mate to better learn the ropes but I need all it takes to keep me learning and earning.

In this circumstance whats your candid advice, please?

Many sparks I have worked in my many roles have told me to go to college but the truth is there isn't one that offer electrical course near me, I'm over the age of apprenticeship and I don't have much time to spare, I got to keep working

Martin.h.lee · Jun 19, 2012

Personally, in your case(no time for college,need to keep working, got various experiences and other related degree..) then you can try to part time course at BTSC.
I met some working people(self employed etc...) at BTSC. They study 1 week with us(fast track people) and some weeks later they come back for the next module. Even though the progress is slow, eventually you will get the qualification you need whilst you're working.
Also you can do NVQ level 3 at BTSC after you finish the courses with extra pay.

One of my class mate (he is 25 or 26 years old and have other technical degree) got a job as soon as he finished the 2330 level 3.

Brightlysparkly · Jun 19, 2012

Many thanks Martin, those are very helpful insights which just satisfied my enquiry spot on. Cheers mate!

howie600 · Jun 20, 2012

Hi there if you want get started in the electrician field i have a full OLCI electricians course for sale half the OLCI asking price. I came to have it because I took a course with Access 2 Trade careers which then went into liquidation but the finance supplier then gave me a full course with OLCI that I have never started due to my situation at work becoming secure I recently asked them if the course could be transfered to another student and they agreed so if you or anybody you know want to train as a full electrician for half the usual asking price then contact me on

[email protected]

.
The course is from no knowledge to fully qualified electrician including part p and testing all books and equipment supplied.

cantabrian9 · Jun 20, 2012

WELL , Brightlysparkly,it appears you have the something going for you !! you say you have been into construction for a coupla years SO, you must have got some contacts ? forget the house bashing bit , keep on going with the SITES or SHOP-FITTING ! Live out of a suitcase and get around a bit, if you are determined i feel sure YOU will make a better "spark" than a few i have worked with,(AND THEY DONE AN APPRENTICESHIP!!!!!!!) Forget the rest of the paperwork, IF you can do the job ,OK!

Brightlysparkly · Jun 20, 2012

@how Thanks for the offer, I will like to consider it (if available still) should I decided is my alternative, just not yet. But certainly BTSC is not what I'm looking for.