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Record Money: Time To Call Halt To Fast-Track Training Scams
AN APPRENTICESHIP is a combination of work and training. It takes four years, leads to the SVQ Level III and apprentices are paid while they learn.
A fast-track course takes two months and can cost up to £6500 - quite a difference.
Fast-track courses were brought to my attention by Marjorie, from Ayr, when she read some marketing literature a friend had received.
She couldn't believe the promises being made and called the company to find out what they were offering. The salesman assured her the courses were apprenticeships, which they're not. He also told her that an NVQ Level II qualification was required to be a plumber in Scotland. Wrong again.
Marjorie had already called the trade association for plumbing and heating businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland (SNIPEF) and knew that the minimum level of qualification in Scotland is an SVQ Level III.
I took a look at some of the companies claiming to offer training - and some are downright irresponsible.
SNIPEF director Robert Burgon said: "Anyone reading articles or adverts claiming that the industry needs thousands of new recruits needs to be very wary. Behind such claims are often fast-track training providers whose main aim is to sell places on inappropriate training courses."
While one company claims there is a 40,000 shortfall in the number of plumbers needed today, industry experts tell another story.
The credit crunch has hit the construction industry and plumbers are now being laid off. And those in work aren't earning the fantastic salaries promised on the training websites.
The companies behind these courses word their literature carefully, making bold promises while back-tracking in the small print.
They hint that candidates will leave with a NVQ, then say that further training will be required. CORGI is the national watchdog for gas safety in the UK and points out that while some companies advertise themselves as City & Guilds registered, they are not registered to deliver the specific plumbing qualification. As a result, candidates cannot be certified.
Other companies deliver only the technical elements of training but none of the work experience necessary to obtain a qualification.
Take any complaints about training in the plumbing sector to Summit Skills. Their website is at www.summitskills.org.uk, and for training information, log on to www.snipef.org.uk
Sent: 15/10/2008
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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