I know this has been discussed before but I would like to give my own perspective on the issue of the 5 week wonders which seems to cause much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
3 years ago, at the age of 40, with the prospect of looming redundancy and not having any viable skills in the real world (air traffic control background since the age of 17) I read the glossy advertising and the slick sales patter and signed up for a Part P course. After finishing the course it is only then that you start to realise the vast gaps in your knowledge and experience. In my case I quickly signed up with Elecsa and could have started out on my own, however, I wasn't comfortable and found a local sparky who was happy to use me on an occasional basis which is still the case today. The point being I was in a position where I didn't have to pay a mortgage, feed kids etc etc. Most of the people who sign up for these courses are using an opportunity to learn a new skill and hopefully make some money, sometimes out of necessity due to redundancy etc.
I realise that some of the threads have you slapping your heads in frustration but generally they are well intentioned questions posed by people trying to expand their knowledge. The tone of some of the replies are distinctly hostile and if anything is going to stop people asking questions then it is that, surely it's better to have someone asking a stupid question but getting a sensible reply than not asking at all and potentially going off and putting their own or someone elses life in danger.
The system is flawed I agree, but as an outsider prior to signing up for a quick course you have absolutely no idea how much there is to learn, looking around a normal house at the sockets and lights you think 'well how difficult can it be?'. The answer is very, but the majority of us are well intentiond and have simply taken advantage of an opportunity.
Thanks for reading
