The validity of a 16 day re-train...or not.

[pcuz]

Hey all

Apologies for a slight duplication/overlap as I left a similar thread at the back end of a sticky, but Ive just gone through the whole thread on domestic part-p (11 pages) which has been an eye opener as I AM one of those Joe Bloggs, Mr No-Experience, Short course dudes who is either close to the commencement of a golden new career or are chucking their hard earned straight down the pan!
I havent started the course yet, or paid either (Im getting funding) but Im thinking I should direct the funding elsewhere as I was always skeptical about how 16 days would turn me into a qualified sparky. Unfortunately, being 41, options are running out and Id spent ages doing research before I finalised on Electrical training, so cock knows what I can do instead.
The training centre I spoke to totally gave me the impression that they were more interested in the money than anything else. When they discovered I was being funded, the greedy dog (I could hearing him slavvering, I swear it) even asked how much I was getting so that he could "extend" my training. And he also said that they dont cover much wiring on the course. (shheeee-iitt, I thought that was the big ting with sparkys)When I said that I didnt know anything about wiring, he said that you can train a monkey to do wiring and that the students only spend a morning on the subject.
Plus, with no experience, by the sounds of things, Id really struggle with the training, though I was pencilled in to do a 5 day pre-part P foundation...But that means nada to me, it could be important or might be a shopping list.?!?
So I came on here looking for some advice and have left pretty much convinced that starting an (intensive) sparks course (pre-part p foundation, part-p full scope domestic, 17th edition wiring, intro to PAT & PAT Testing ----- £2105 in VAT)
would be a baaaaaad move.
But then, I am a natural pessimist. :frown2:

Thanks guys
Paul​

 

[Guest123]

And he also said that they dont cover much wiring on the course

Stunned!!!!!

What do they teach on this 'course' then......cake decorating???

If I were you I would try and seek out some local technical colleges that will offer a safer & cheaper route to becoming a spark. Most courses nowadays can be done as evening sessions, even the main 2330 (as it stands currently) can be done over 2 evenings a week for a year or two.

 

[Paul.M]

Paul, please stay away from these cowboys. Half day training on wiring and "a monkey can do it" does not fill me with confidence. With that amount of funding you have at your disposal you could do the 2330 level 2, 17th ed, pat testing, ecs card, all your books and basic tools. All that can be done in a year at your local college and you will not be trained like a monkey.

 

[Paul.M]

I've just worked out the amount of exam time only it takes to gain the quals I listed above.22 1/2 hours so that's almost 4 days just in exams. The 2330 level 2 can be done in 1 year at 2 full days a week if you can get onto a course.16 days??? What the hell can anyone learn in 16 days and what quality of work will you be able to do?

 

[pcuz]

Haha
yes, Im laughing at how naive I have been. Though at least I saw the light before any cash was spent. You know how you have a niggle, niggling away at the back of your mind sometimes! Im done now, notified my trustees not to proceed.

Now, where did I put that plumbing course prospectus....? :dunce2:

 

[Engineer54]

Haha yes, Im laughing at how naive I have been. Though at least I saw the light before any cash was spent. You know how you have a niggle, niggling away at the back of your mind sometimes! Im done now, notified my trustees not to proceed.

Now, where did I put that plumbing course prospectus....? :dunce2:

I can assure you, ....the vast majority of Electricians here aren't laughing!!!

 

[pcuz]

Re Not Laughing

No, Im sure it isnt funny and must be something of a slight to your industry.
Im more relieved than anything else. The figures just didnt add up
16 days (actually, take away 7 for PAT testing and foundation) so, actually
9 days versus 3 years. Hmmmmm. Something not quite right about that.

And whats more, I fully respect the right of the skilled worker to protect his own and his colleagues integrity against what are clearly charlatans cashing in on legal loopholes in the qualification process.
As a lefty, through and through, the whole thing was leaving me feeling disctinctly uncomfortable. Someone in another thread rather succinctly used an immigration analogy as a comparison to these courses, but I rather think its just shameless capitalism and greed on behalf of the training company, trimming the essentials of knowledge down to the bare bones and selling a half-baked ideal to those (like me) desperate enough to buy it. Of course, that wont apply to all. But you take my point, Im sure.

Now you just need to persuade every other wannabe sparky with a few grand burning holes in their pockets!

Thanks chaps. excellent, mature and pragmatic advice.

Paul C

 

[hasel5]

judging by your post you are a well educated man and have seen the light so go do a proper evening course as stated and the money you save buy a ladder and bucket and clean some windows to fund the the your time when not working in this industry.I wish you all the luck and if in the south of england then pm me and will see if i can help with some onsite experience

 

[Paul.M]

I've had a PM conversation with the op and given him a few pointers, he is a very switched on man and I believe he would be a great sparky if he receives the correct training. He has got a great attitude, for example I've just got back home from a call out and I got this pm from him, I'm sure he won't mind me sharing it with you and its a credit to us all. It's nice to get a positive feed back . (ps sorry but my forum posts can't do paragraphs any more?)"Much obliged. Ive received nowt but sensible and realistic advice through this site. Im REALLY glad I dropped in, thats for sure.take carePaul C"

 

[robsparky1975]

Im glad that you have come here and asked before chucking money at a course that wont see you gain much,these course providers are taking the mick,there is a well known one,which i looked at as was thinking(only thinking mind)of doing a p.v course.that was about a grand,whattttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!robbers,you could do a whole year at college for that,and said provider had a platinum package 50 day intensive course apparently making joe bloggs into super sparks for the small sum of £7000,i do believe that ELECTRICIAN is the no1 job in training at the moment,i am seriously considering giving up this trade.