OLCI...any advise plz

[Vassy]

Hi, I have been working in the telecomms industry for the past 5 yrs as a contractor and am looking to widen my horizons so to speak. I was wondering if anyone has heard of OCLI construction training? They are offering me a course that gives me, at the end:
C&G level 2 (2330),
C&G level 3 (2330),
17th edition IEE wiring regulations C&G 2382-10,
Inspection & testing C&G 2391,
Applicable building regs (part P),
level 3 Certificate for in service inspections and testing of electrical equiptment- portable appliance testing (C&G 2377)
EAL level 2 certificate for domestic electrical installers.

They offer this as a study at home course where visit training centres for practical work when can. The course costs £5500. What i want to know is will i be fully qualified to work as an electrician, either on pay roll or self employed and are the qualifications the right ones. I've heard about people doing this kind of course and employers not recognising the qualification. £5500 is a lot to spend if going to be a waste.

Any help is welcome.
Thanks

 

[jockieo]

This thread really makes for depressing reading, I am now enrolled on the OLCI course and have received my study material and too be honest I havent looked at it, I bought Lindleys book and have just used that, I have not attended any practical sessions yet, I think that will be the real acid test. I think people who are interested in the course have to really understand what the qualifications you obtain mean and of course realise that you aint getting the NVQ 3 through this course alone.

 

[johnymac]

I have come from Australia to do the C&G 2330 and was going to do it soon as with OLCI. When I got here I found this forum and saw all the bad reviews about OLCI so had a look around for other providers. I think it was tradeskills that I enquired about. They phoned me up one morning asking totally irrelevent questions and could not tell me how much the coarse costs and wanted to send a sales man around. I told them to get stuffed, at least OLCI could tell me how much they wanted.
Well things are not going as planned as I could only afford the coarse if I sold my car and cashed in my superannuation. Four months since getting here and I have only just sold my car and are still waiting for my super. I am hoping it will come through this month.
Anyway the situation I am in is that I am in Oldham and as far as I know the only provider close by is OLCI and I need to get quallified soon as. I just hope I am making the the right decision as $12000 is a lot of money.

 

[geeman]

Hi All

Mines probably a very familar story so I apologise if it's been asked 1000 times before.

I've been looking at re-training to a career in electrics, maybe as a Domestic Installer, wiring up houses etc. Ideally one day i'd like to be my own boss and have the freedom to move around the country (maybe even abroad who knows). I have no real experience in this type of work so I'll be starting from the first step on the ladder.

I was looking at the OLCI courses which lead me to this forum, however having read the feedback it's put me right off that company all together.

So, I wondered what advice you can give me and what types of courses I ounght to be looking at.

I'm currently working in IT (office job...) full time which I'll need to continue through the courses (mortgage to pay etc) and I live in the Manchester area.

As I said I've no real experience so I apologise for the total lack of knowledge in this area...

any advice you can offer would be great

 

[esgebe]

Hi, i'd stay in IT if i were you more money there i reckon, get into networking, that's what i intend to do eventually. As far as OLCI goes i could go on and on about those cowboys, i'm considering dragging them through the small claims court by the hair preferrably! I personally would have preferred the college route at the start, instead i have to try and finish my 2330 Level 3 by joining a localish college offering this course. I'm still waiting for information and feedback after several months of waiting so i can lodge an appeal from OLCI, nightmare! Good luck with locating an alternative course provider. Sorry i can't suggest anyone at present.

 

[esgebe]

Halo again. To answer your question, my son found a site a bit like watchdog where they investigate your problems with goods and services and someone had approached them about OCLI. he was training as a plumber and found that the course he was expecting to do was cancelled due to their being too few attendees. He pushed them for his money back and eventually, with help, he got a refund. So, it is not a huge criticism of them and I have seen mixed comments elsewhere although generally not bad. It is a lot of money though and I feel their approach is a little bit pushy and 'salesman' like which makes me nervous. Rather than a straight answer it tends to be a bit ' everything will be fine, dont worry about it'. I asked how often they run course at the nearest centre and was told they would send out a scheduel when I signed up - why not just tell me now so I know. I am in a hurry to get this training and do not want to find I cannot do the next step because there is no classroom time availble or whatever. Anyway I am going to do a bit more research this afternoon and will keep you informed. Cheers, Nig

Hi, judging by everyone being a bit hesitant here about going the OLCI route, I personally would advise not to give them the chance to squander any of your hard earned money. I have already posted originally on this forum regarding poor service from this shower, and that term is used more lightly than I would like! My original posting provoked a response from them, they obviously like watching the forums! If you enjoy waiting endlessly for buses you'll know what I mean. I agree with GED's comments entirely, keep well away. As for qualifications anyone wanting to be a full qualified sparky would need to do 2330 L2&3, 2356 L3 NVQ (which you need to be in a job or other environment to be assessed for, this is takes 2 years on average). Then you need to go through the AM2 procedure, which is similar equivilant to the old CORGI registration process (I belive approx £900, but you would be working by this time so no probs here). You can do the NVQ part seperate through a local tech college and get them to arrange assessment of your ongoing work. Then its to testing and regs that you need to get the 2382, 2391/92 Certs. Or You could go via the AEL route which is not a fully qualified electrician, but allows you to work in domestic situations doing basic electrical work, suits general builders and the likes, I think this covers Part P, but I might be wrong here, quote me if I am wrong on this, I'm going the NVQ route hopefully so not really genned up on the AEL route. Hope that throws a bit of light on the subject, must get on with my career plans If OLCI permits! esgebe

 

[govindk]

Hello Think carefully about joining olci . I am a current student with them and have had nothing but problems from the start. The level 2 and level 3 folders where littered with mistakes. Such as equations spelling mistakes and loads of other stuff. Teaching was good there i cant knock that but the admin side and the the teaching material was useless.

There are companys out there which offer electrical courses and guarantee job placement, so i urge you too look around because i came across one the other day.

OLCI guarenteed job placement, help starting a business, and lots of other stuff, but they let me down so i can only tell you off my experience. Its a lot of money to pay for a lot of hassle

 

[LarkySparky]

HI guys, i've recently completed my C&G 2330, part p, 17th at OLCI did the course with them from scratch - they offer a quick means of doing their modules if you have experience there is not much guidance in terms of the course material when you attend the college on your 'prac' days.
Its taken me 6 months to complete all the above, with just my NVQ3 left to complete, suppose it depends on how much work you willing to put in and whether you already are working in the industry, if not i wouldn't bother and rather enrol in a 'lecture' based course of which there are many on affer.
Good luck though guys, and i wish you all the best!!

 

[mccreath5]

DO NOT DO IT, I want down the olci way and trust me it's a total waste of money. they never return your calls and it can take 3 mouths to get a course at a center. there so-called support doesn't exist.

 

[robbo87]

Hi im a newbie on here, been checking some of the threads and saw this.

Im just coming to the end of L3 at the London centre. Ive been pretty happy with olci to be honest, few small hiccups along the way but nothing that couldnt be sorted out and admin were really helpful to me. I know a few guys who had to wait for practical dates but you can sign up for regular updates now so you know when you can book new dates, my advice is book them as soon as possible!

Now Im nearing the end Ive started talking to the job support service they’ve got, sent in my cv and got my fingers crossed for something to come up. They told me they couldn’t guarantee me a job but would help me as much as possible which is fair enough I guess, at the end of the day its up to me to make an impression and show employers ive got the right skills and experience for the job at hand.

It’s a shame not everyone has a good experience with these guys, Ive had a great time and now I just want to get out there and start using what Ive learnt.

 

[andy.smithy]

Hi all
I'm in the same place as robbo87 sort of - I've now finished my level 3 and just waiting for my certificates to come through. Did most of the practical sessions at the Mansfield centre which was brand new when I started so was really great and some of the workshops weren't filled up so it meant we could have more time with the trainer who really knew his stuff. Gave us a bit of offhand advice and tricks of the trade too which always helps!
Its taken me a fair while to get to this point but thats due to me not always putting the effort in which I only have myself to blame for. I never had problems with support myself. Haven't tried the job service but thinking about it, want to get certificates first then look for a job when I can prove I'm qualified.
Good luck to everyone!

 

[Marcs1]

Hi just new to the site. I was about to go into my 3rd year as an apprentice electrician, however since 2009 I have struggled to get an employer to take me on, the colleges, SECTT as well were doing nothing to help, I kept thinking at this rate I'll still be unqualified at 60. I started looking into private training and found OLCI, it is very expensive and I had a lot of doubts as to whether or not it was legit. Found out it was gonna cost me £6000!!! I had to make sure that it was gonna be worth my time and money. I contacted them again and asked them a lot of questions. The course sound very good as it is giving you the exact qualifications you need in-order to become a fully qualified electrician and the best bit is once you have finished you are eligible to apply to JIB for your electricians grade card. For everyone who is taking the ---- out of these kind of courses you need to stop and realise sometimes the only way to get something done is to do it yourself, right now nobody is taking on and nobody is bothered except yourself so you need to do something, even if it costs you otherwise you will be waiting forever.

 

[david.higgins]

Hi guys. I have just finished the 2330 level 2/3 course with Olci. Anyone thinking of joining them better not want any tuition with the theory side of things because I thought it was virtually none existent! When I first starting revising I soon found out that the people in the call centre in London are absolutely useless. The only way to get through it is by putting a lot of blood sweat and tears into it on your own. Forget most of the Ill written course material and buy the Trevor Lindsey books. on the other hand the practical sessions are quite good but you need to go through theory first as it is fast moving and you will get found out. As someone who has never worked in the electrical field before I thought that it progressed too quickly. Just stick with it and it will all fall into place eventually. I must stress that the exams are very hard and you will do well to pass all of them first time round. I'm now in the position that I can't find someone to take me on with out any on site experience even though I have more credentials than some 3/4 year apprentices! Joke. Hit the books and bite the bullet, I'm am testament to the fact it can be done. Another thing Olci are the best fast track training provider out there which is why they are accredited by barclays bank.

 

[fuzzydunlop]

Hi guys. I have just finished the 2330 level 2/3 course with Olci. Anyone thinking of joining them better not want any tuition with the theory side of things because I thought it was virtually none existent! When I first starting revising I soon found out that the people in the call centre in London are absolutely useless. The only way to get through it is by putting a lot of blood sweat and tears into it on your own. Forget most of the Ill written course material and buy the Trevor Lindsey books. on the other hand the practical sessions are quite good but you need to go through theory first as it is fast moving and you will get found out. As someone who has never worked in the electrical field before I thought that it progressed too quickly. Just stick with it and it will all fall into place eventually. I must stress that the exams are very hard and you will do well to pass all of them first time round. I'm now in the position that I can't find someone to take me on with out any on site experience even though I have more credentials than some 3/4 year apprentices! Joke. Hit the books and bite the bullet, I'm am testament to the fact it can be done. Another thing Olci are the best fast track training provider out there which is why they are accredited by barclays bank.

Got to agree with the above I'm halfway through lvl2 and have found it a mixed bag

The course materials are a joke, bin them and get the Linsley books far more detailed, also agree about the theory side i.e. it's non-existant.

The practical sessions are ok if you understand what's required/being asked of you but, as students can book up the whole course without passing any exams you get far too many people who haven't a clue what they're doing (which I understand happens) and seem intent on annoying everyone else

A couple of people who have been on the same sessions as me have got less than 20% in 201, 202 and 203 and are booked up to do the practical assessment next week when they have no chance of passing where as others who do, have to wait. I'm hoping by the time lvl 3 comes around all the wasters are filtered out

The tutors are hit and miss if you don't get it, you wont be told anything bar read your materials (which explain nothing theory side). If you do show competence the tutor will be willing to sit with you for a bit and talk about things outside the materials

In the London centre the tools are beyond bad, probably as they don't sign in/out tool boxes so you either have an incomplete toolbox or screwdrivers that have been battered (usually a combination of both) have also never seen a wire stripper (yes it's possible with cutters but hardly good practice).

As above you'll only get out of it what you're willing to put in

*edit* I should add that the "call centre" has been nothing but helpful - I'm guessing 2330 lvl 2 has a high intake and the churn will mean that lvl 3 should be a lot more accessible

 

[Ellie]

hello mate,

just paid a £500 quid to OLCI, thinking about cancelling my training course what a joke!!!!!!! i noticed you post saying the best why to get the certs is to do a 10 day training course, i trying to get offshore! would this 10 day course help me out? if so what's the best company to join with?

cheers
Ellie

 

[Alana Fox]

Hi david.higgins

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training. I can see that that you are looking for on site experience. You can contact our job placement advisor, who may be able to assist you. Although we cannot guarantee work, we will do all we reasonably can to help you. Please call us on 0800 316 8100. Alternatively you can email me on [email protected] with a phone number and suitable time to call you back.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes, Alana Fox

 

[Alana Fox]

Hi fuzzydunlop

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training. I’d like to help you through your studies.

We can give you additional support, such as one-on-one tutor sessions, as we do with many other students.

Please call me on 0800 316 8100. Alternatively you can email me on [email protected] with a phone number and suitable time to call you back.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes, Alana Fox

 

[Alana Fox]

Hi Ellie

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training. I’m happy to clarify the number of training days for our courses, which are all fully comprehensive.

Please call me on 0800 316 8100. Alternatively you can email me on [email protected] with a phone number and suitable time to call you back.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes, Alana Fox

 

[jomcl67]

Hi all.
Just completed 2330 level 2&3 with OLCI and have now been told that the
'extra' qualifications eg 2391, 17th Edition,2377 are all over and above the £6500
already spent.
When I signed up for this course I was told that I would be fully qualified and be able
to sign off my and others work. Eh... without the 'extras' you cant even get
a job in this industry.
Not sure what I'm gonna do now, feel a bit stupid.
Anyway the moral of this story is steer clear from OLCI. Just expensive
broken promises with no backup.

 

[fuzzydunlop]

Hi all.
Just completed 2330 level 2&3 with OLCI and have now been told that the
'extra' qualifications eg 2391, 17th Edition,2377 are all over and above the £6500
already spent.
When I signed up for this course I was told that I would be fully qualified and be able
to sign off my and others work. Eh... without the 'extras' you cant even get
a job in this industry.
Not sure what I'm gonna do now, feel a bit stupid.
Anyway the moral of this story is steer clear from OLCI. Just expensive
broken promises with no backup.

What did you think you were signing up for (not a dig but what was you told? I've just dug out my enrolment stuff and the booklet makes no mention of anything bar 2330 lvl 2+3 as a course but says you may wish to achieve an NVQ (can mail it to you if you want)

From memory when I signed up the course itself was 2330 2+3 and 2356 NVQ3 then they threw in 17th and solar pv for free, also when I went to the college for the first time the interview was recorded and I was told would be placed with my file, also check your enrolment form

 

[jomcl67]

I signed up for the maintenance 2330 levels 2 & 3. Stated at the time that
given my background in mechanical engineering within a production environment
that 17th edition was a requirement that I needed. I was then told that and the
others mentioned was part of the complete course anyway and not to worry about it.

 

[fuzzydunlop]

What does it say on your enrolment form (the one you signed at the centre) that should have all the courses on it

 

[Sparky Ninja]

Do any of the tutors helping you guys with this actually 'help' you online?
It just seems a bit silly all these concerns about a company and no-one wants to come here to assist you with your theory concerns? Not building a very good rep for the company is it?

 

[jomcl67]

What does it say on your enrolment form (the one you signed at the centre) that should have all the courses on it

Didn't receive a copy of the enrolment form hence the reason I feel stupid. I just feel
that what I received wasn't worth the heavy price tag. What use is a course which is advertised
as 'qualified' and doesn't even include 17th Edition. Worthless waste of money.

 

[jomcl67]

Sorry about the rant. Its still a bit raw

 

[fuzzydunlop]

I don't understand how you never got one, everyone i've met had to go to the centre to sign one as its the contract between you and OLCI. Without that you're not even enrolled

How did you pay and what advisor did you see, as no one i've met has paid more than £5,880 for all the courses I listed earlier.

Somethings clearly not right here

 

[dean7828]

my only concern is that there is only enough practical to get you through the course, at the end you will be qualified but with no onsite experience, i know people who have done all the courses and never done a days work in there life, its hard to learn in a training center as on site when working on your own you will come across problems they cant teach you, i would suggest the course as a good idea and grounds to start off as an electricians mate to gain the on site experience also i was unaware that the nvq L3 could be done in a training center i was allays led to believe you had to be working to gain this qual!

good luck in the corse im sure you will benefit in the long run.

 

[dean7828]

you must check this link awsome!

City & Guilds 2391 Virtual Reality Training - YouTube

 

[Alana Fox]

Hi Jomcl67,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

I would like to speak to you in more detail about your situation. Please could you call us on 0800 316 8100. Alternatively you can email me on [email protected] with your number and a suitable time to call you back.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes, Alana Fox.

 

[jomcl67]

you must check this link awsome!

City & Guilds 2391 Virtual Reality Training - YouTube

Just what the doctor ordered, a laugh between rants.

 

[fuzzydunlop]

i was unaware that the nvq L3 could be done in a training center i was allays led to believe you had to be working to gain this qual!

good luck in the corse im sure you will benefit in the long run.

It does have to be done on site, if you're referring to my post I had the NVQ3 added to my "bundle" of courses (OLCI pay the fee's for it), OLCI only give you the log book/visit site

 

[jomcl67]

Hi Jomcl67, Alana here from OLCI Construction Training. I would like to speak to you in more detail about your situation. Please could you call us on 0800 316 8100. Alternatively you can email me on [email protected] with your number and a suitable time to call you back. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes, Alana Fox.

Well. 2 days after emailing details to Alana and still waiting for a response. Hmm.

 

[waynebaldwin]

Hi everyone,

I paid for the plumbing 6089 and 6129 city and guilds course 2 years ago when I was out of work within a month of paying for the course I got a job that requires at least 6 days work a week and because of this I can no longer commit to the course.I have tried to get a refund but olci will not pay me a penny back of the £5500 that I paid for the course, however they have told me i can sell it to anyone who is interested in doing the course at Bristol.So I am selling my course for £3750 which is £1750 less than you will have to pay usually for it. If you are interested you can contact me via email at [email protected].

 

[Alana Fox]

Well. 2 days after emailing details to Alana and still waiting for a response. Hmm.

Hi Jomcl67,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

I don't seem to have received an email from you with your contact details on. Please could you call 0800 316 8100 or email me on [email protected] with your number and a suitable time to call you back. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Alana Fox

 

[apollo1979]

I have emailed both Alana and the student layason officer about my course but have yet to have had a reply

Seems they are desputing what courses i have guess the sales guy was in such a fluster to get my money he didnt enter it all in the system properly, they just need to listen to the tapes and they will see what he told me i had.

lets hope it was just a slight error and it can be resolved will add the outcome on here to how fairly they treat me

After all i called them for advice aswell as to book the courses and i acted on the advice the guy gave me.

Rob

 

[Alana Fox]

Hi Apollo1979,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

I'd like to help you, but we don't seem to have received your email. Please could you call me on 0800 316 8100 at your most convenient time and I will be happy to discuss the matter with you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Alana Fox