olci construction training anygood?

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goolok78

Hi just wanted to know if training with this company to become a plumber is actually worth it,had a look around and these seem the best although don't wanna part with 6 k and have no job at the end of it. Will i be employable with a city and guilds 6129 certificate? Any feed back would be greatly appreciated thanks
 
Did my 6129 with OLCI in Bristoland passed in July 2009. I went self employed(and love it), I think this is the only way at present . Good Luck
 
You won't be employable. Minimum NVQ2 or SVQ3 to get a job.
Only route is out on your own with little knowledge and basic skills. A bit like learning to swim by being thrown off a 10m platform:eek:
 
Don't know where you are situated but I did my course with N.T.P.S. training in Hyde Nr. Manchester. The course was a lot cheaper at around 4K. They are very friendly and flexible and accept payments as you go along. My son-in-law did a course a few years back with a company in London, he paid up front for a part time course. He had difficulty sometimes getting booked in for each practical module and had to wait for the next vacancy. After a year he hadn't completed all the modules and hidden in the small print it said he must pay again for each module still left. He had one left and it cost him another £700 (believe the course was about 7K for 10 modules).
 
I have an OLCI course and due to a break down in a relationship I am left with it.

It is for City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate (6129); also helps prepare you for City & Guilds NVQ 2 (6089) in Plumbing.

We also got four extra courses which are - Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems, Solar Thermal, Heat Pumps and Ceramic Tiling.

I will be creating an add on Gumtree under Plumbing Course, Edinburgh. Please take a look if you are interested.
 
hi thanks for ur reply just wondering if u did ur nvq level 2 with olci aswell as thats what they recently told me would be included when they came round. Did u have no problems finding work to do afterwards or was there plenty? thanks
 
Why not look for a college that you could go to, I did my 6129 at Kingston College it took 11 months and was a lot cheaper than 6k, I’m doing the NVQ with them at the moment and, that has cost nada
 
Hi, I did 6129 with OLCI at Manchester. @ 43 I new I wasn't going to be employed by any one so set out on self employment route doing general plumbing and bathroom installations. Five years later and still here. I found that once self employed, through business link and associated bodies there is a certain amount of funding available for training and have been able to consolidate skills and qualifications with their help. I found that to make a go of it plumbing was only one of many skills neccessary. you need to be a good all rounder. I'm now doing my part P with OLCI but under no illussion that I'll be able to walk out of the centre kitted up and ready to go.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely.
 
I wouldn't hesitate to do the course again.
 
i retrained at NTPS in hyde and found it excellent. Have been self employed now for a year and doing very nicely. Still get plenty of help from paul, one of the owners when i get stuck, definately recommend the place.
 
The old addage "You only get out what you put in" springs to mind. I have recently completed my 6129, 6089 and EAL course with OLCI. It took me nearly 3 years to complete due to my current job (hardly fastrack I know) but the flexibility of training was what I required. The only complaint that I had was from the admin support which at times was particularly poor although I must admit I have seen an improvement in recent months.
Any form of distance learning is going to be difficult and requires you to be self disciplined. Don't expect to turn up for exams having skimmed over the books and pass. Failing to prepare... Prepare to fail. That said there is more than enough support available, but you need to ask for it. If you find yourself struggling to understand the material there are plenty of other reference books available via amazon etc that may help (I used the JTL books which were great).
I cannot speak highly enough of the training centres. I conducted my package at the Birmingham Centre and the staff there were really helpful and are still on hand now if I need any advice. Ultimately it is down to you as the learner to maximise your time at the centre.
After the technical certificate is achieved is where most students hit a brick wall. There are many adverts offering work placements but in reality unless you are in Central London you will not get one. This is not purely an OLCI problem every training company out there will offer you the world (its their sales pitch). However, if you are committed to changing your career (if your considering spending over 5k I would suggest you are) then you really need to start advertising yourself to the market. Nobody is going to give you something for nothing. Forget any possibility of getting paid to conduct work experience for your NVQ, it will not happen. I must have written to over 100 companies requesting assistance, I got 5 responses and only one workable offer. Top tip always finish your letter with a comment that you will contact them in the near future to discuss any opportunities; this may cause a handful of people not to put your letter straight into the shredder! I then undertook work experience whilst I was on leave. It is possible to rush through NVQ assessments but your knowledge and experience will be extremely limited and I doubt very much that you will be ready to go it alone. Get as much experience as you can from people in the trade, this where you will learn the skills. Even though I've completed my NVQ I am still helping out a company for free as the expeience is priceless.
Apologies for this being a bit long winded but I think OLCI have come in for some unwarranted critisism of late (Don't get me wrong I'd be thge first to say if I thought they were not up to the mark). In sum OLCI can give you the knowledge however, it is down to you to gain the experience. Don't expect everything to be done for you.
 
I also have an olci course available if anone is interested 6129 technical certificate, 6089 nvq level 2 training and certificate ,solar ,heat pump, and unvented training and certificates .Course available due to change in personal circumstances
 
cheers for your time i still havn't signed up to anyone yet and am now gonna wait till january coz the quals are changing and they are taking lead work out of the course which is mainly a job for roofers now according to someone on here anyway thanks again.
 
So long as you go into it knowing that you will get a basic understanding, but that the real knowledge will come after you finish the course, the go for it. I went with OLCI last year ( at the ripe old age of 42) and have been building on that basic knowledge ever since.

One point I would make - they often try to tempt you in by offering free courses etc. Make sure you negotiate hard and get the best you can.. They still 'owe' me 2 courses!
 
goolok78 said:
Hi just wanted to know if training with this company to become a plumber is actually worth it,had a look around and these seem the best although don't wanna part with 6 k and have no job at the end of it. Will i be employable with a city and guilds 6129 certificate? Any feed back would be greatly appreciated thanks
Click to expand...

Having read a lot of posts on here I thought I would add my experiences, desperate to get a trade I tried for months to get a job as a plumbers mate with no luck, got involved with a company called btsc who happily took over 9 grand and promised me a guaranteed job, guaranteed everything, sent me a official letter stating this so I handed over my cash! Then they went bust along with my cash and my cast iron job guarantee …………… then started trading as a different company form the same premises 2 weeks later!

Spoke to olci who guaranteed me absolutely nothing apart from the 6129 and the nvq (if I had the jobs to show the nvq guy), 5 month’s on I have nearly completed the 6129, have a job with a plumbing company (due to the fact I know had some training) and am looking forward to getting my full papers.

Moral of the story, with olci I KNEW that all they would be able to give me was the training the rest was up to me , I found a company that would employ me, I found the jobs to build my on site book, etc etc.

olci are not perfect, but generally (apart from a few paperwork delays) the workshops are spot on the trainers are great.

I got what I paid for, no more no less with olci, and without the training I would still be digging holes for rubbish wages and no future.

So whoever you look at for training remember its all about what you do with it, so many people bleating about promised this promised that, if any of the companies had guaranteed work they would set themselves up as 24 plumbing companies!!!!!
 
9k and you didnt get anything!!!
what happened with the new company? same place did they have the same staff, was there a name change, didnt they offer you the training?
 
Just been contacted by OLCI with regards to a NVQ 2 C&G 6089
Finished my tech cert 6129. Also mentioned ACS gas training any views or advice appreciated.

Is this the best way to go as i want the best training rather than doing it as soon as possible

Please advice!!
 
Jamie,

Unless you have years of engineering experience you really need to get some work with a GSE as gas is a different kettle of fish compared to the wet stuff. Then again, even with year of engineering experience you need to get some work on actual gas, in the field. Training centres cannot replace it, although with good training you do stand in a much better stead.

Regards
 
in some ways its easier to train someone on gas in a centre than it is plumbing as the main safety aspects can be covered along with numerous types of appliances
 
as fuzzy said i would try and speak to them again, they have always been pretty good with talking with me and helped me out when i've needed it.
 
Just started with OLCI and looking to go it alone once qualified. I have thus far been impressed with their facilities and flexibility ( I am trying to qualify in the minimum time I can) - I'm enjoying the course and looking forward to learning everything I can.
 
I am currently doing my Gas with OLCI manchester. Started it about a year and half ago. So far it has cost me £3500. They sent me out a huge folder to read through, Everything from Letby test to Flues. I read through this then booked onto my 2 weeks intensive training in the training center which i must admit was good and i thought i learned alot. After the 2 weeks had finished i had to build a portfolio which consisted off write ups of jobs/photos and all that lot but this has stopped me dead in my tracks as i cant find a gas engineer to help anywhere. Not got long left either. Does anyone know of any gas engineers based round manchester that want any unpaid work. I am a quilified plumber and have done this job for about 8 years. OLCI are alright but getting your portfolio done is a b*tch.
 
Hi Hobo128,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

I can see you are looking for work with a Gas Engineer. You can contact our job placement advisor who may be able to assist you. Although we cannot guarentee work, we will do what we 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.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Alana Fox
 
Hello everybody
I am currently working towards C&G 6129 BasicPlumbing Studies Level 2. I want to start C&G 6129 Domestic PlumbingStudies Level 3 with OCIA Construction, Manchester.
I have a couple of questions to ask?
· How much money does it cost to achieve 6129domestic plumbing studies level 3?
· How long does it take to achieve 6129domestic plumbing studies level 3?
· Does OCIA Construction have their own GasSafe registered plumbers, and does it cost money to train to gain the NVQ Level2 & 3 plus independent assessments e.g. ACS Gas, Water Regulations 1999?
Thank you J
 
Hi Mohammed786,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

I can see you have some questions about our Plumbing courses. I would be more than happy to discuss this further with you and any other questions that you may have.

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Alana Fox
 
I am at the opposite end of the OLCI process. I received my plumbing NVQ2 certificate in the post this morning!! Most of what they offered has been excellent Their training has been excellent, although their head-office support and guidance has been a bit woolly at times. Push them for what you want, and you will get it. Yes you are employable, at any time, if you can find someone to take you on. I have been plumbing and fitting bathrooms for over 4 years, first with someone else, and then self-employed for nearly 3 years. You can do it, .. if you want to!! Good luck!
 
One point that I would make about OLCI is that getting hold of a trainer / tutor is extremely difficult.

I have been training with then for over 6 months and attended onsite training, however when I try and get hold of a trainer it can be difficult.

Before signing up I would suggest calling the reception telling the person who answers the call that you are already a student and see how often you get hold of a trainer.

Not sure if it’s the same with other companies, would be interested on hearing other people’s feedback.
 
Hi 81ll,

Alana here from OLCI Contruction Training.

I can see that you needed to speak with one of our tutors. I would be more than happy to discuss this further with you and put you in touch with the relevant person.

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Alana Fox
 
Hi Clanger,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

I can see that you have some questions about our training centre. I would be more than happy to discuss this with you and answer any questions.

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

Best wishes,

Alana Fox
 
81ll said:
One point that I would make about OLCI is that getting hold of a trainer / tutor is extremely difficult.

I have been training with then for over 6 months and attended onsite training, however when I try and get hold of a trainer it can be difficult.

Before signing up I would suggest calling the reception telling the person who answers the call that you are already a student and see how often you get hold of a trainer.

Not sure if it’s the same with other companies, would be interested on hearing other people’s feedback.
Click to expand...


I would make sure you have a plumber if not confident to take your NVQ2 on your own.
I would make sure you have a gas safe registered engineer that will help you gain your experience with gas to complete your folder when going for your ACS as OLCI DO NOT have people to help I tok my gas training in MAY 2009 and still have not completed my gas as most engineers don't want to help due to insurance reasons, incase you take their business or they haven't got the time or patience to train you. OLCI expected you to complete 4 modules: boilers, fires, cookers and water heaters (the later now I believe incorporated into boilers) so difficult to get evidence for all, some training companies only make you do one module (boilers) and the core safety and some provide gas engineers I would go with them if I knew that now. I also paid out for NVQ3 and need an engineer for this as well due to doing Boiler and Central heating planning etc again not completed from May 2009!
Hope this helps

Remember companies can sweet talk you to sign up and give all the spin then when they got your money things are different!
 
Hi there and good afternoon to you all on this site!.Firstly i will introduce myself my name is Scott and i'm new to the site and from the North West area Blackpool to be a bit more precise.I have been reading some of the threads left on here by other forum members and i have found some to be of interesting reading,especially to do with OLCI.At the moment i am looking to change my current job and train to become a Plumber.Now i have been looking in to doing this for quite a considerable time now and if i am honest with myself i have come across a few uncertainties with who'm to do my training with.I have visited my local OLCI in Manchester a couple of times and the practical layout and the level of training seems to be well presented.However i just have this really annoying and niggling doubt at the back of my mind of whether i will be employable by a company after completing all the required training.Can anybody on here offer any words of advice at all?.Before i shed out 6,000.00 of my hard earned cash will it be a wise move or could it turn out to be the best move ever?.Also if you get qualified can you easily go out in to the big wide world and start getting work in for yourself?.I would really appreciate if any of you guys on this site could offer some good advice!,many thanks i will look forward to your feedback.
 
hi scott and welcome to the forum.i have said it before and ill say it again there are good people who come out of these places and yes you can go and get a job from the quals. its not an easy ride but its do able.i am working at the moment just make sure you put the work in.
 
Hi,

From my experience I have had a very negative experience with OLCI. I started the course beginning of 2011. It all went smoothly, tutor's are great their on site equipment and tools were great. However since October 2011 where I managed to lose my portfolio (upon completing the course) it has been a nightmare.

Half my fault half theirs and the result is that they never call you back, reply to your phone calls or even make an attempt to show you they're trying to make an effort to fix the issue. I have to be the one to call them and even at that point they're always on their breaks and don't call me back for another few weeks (after I've called a few times in between). 2 years later and they haven't improved. Somebody does make a promise that they're going to sort it out, it goes good for 2 weeks and it's back to the same old story after that. It's come to the point where I'm trying to find out how to make an official complaint about the way I've been treated as any other form of action doesn't seem to work.

Moral of the story: They're good solid official company that have a good set of tutors that do take the time out to teach and advise you. However anything else (including the sales team) is terrible and once they have your money they don't care about what happens to you. Any problems you may face, they will not make it better.
 
Hi Young Gunner,

Alana here from OLCI Construction Training.

A member of our Student Services team will be in touch with you today. If you have any queries after speaking to a member of our team, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0800 316 8100. Alternatively you can email me on [email protected] with a phone number and suitable time to call you back.

Best wishes,

Alana Fox
 
Hear more and more bad stories about these processing plants... Education? Really? Money upfront and your high and dry
 
Info for anyone thinking of undertaking training with OLCI:
They have been taken over by ERR Ltd. This means that there is going to be a new system in place, and I have to say that it's about time.
I have had no end of trouble attempting to get my portfolio passed so that I can take the ACS exam.
If I went into the list of grievances with their marking procedures it would take ages. The tutors are great, very knowledgeable, and good communicators but the admin system is pathetic (I do mean the system, and not the people using it as they are all very helpful).
I used to run an art department in a secondary school and could mark 30 - 40 GCSE portfolios in one day. OLCI take at least 8 weeks to mark one portfolio with what effectively is around 2 weeks of work, why?
Oh , and another gripe (Getting it all off the chest, so to speak) the IV remarked that my gas rate calculations were wrong yet when I went to see my tutor at the training centre he couldn't find fault at all. I was also told, quite specifically, that I did not need to complete any boiler installation (It even stated this on the check sheet) yet the IV commented that I must complete 3 boiler installations in order to have my portfolio passed, again, why? If it says 0 then it doesn't mean 3!
 
Everybody steer clear of OLCI !!! I had the misfortune of signing up with these people and all I have had is problems, I have told them I want my money back when I was only 2 steps away from being fully qualified, that's how bad they are !!!


Due to all my ongoing and constant problems my course had expired, they knew this but still sent me off to do my portfolio with the gas safe corporation... On completion of my portfolio, I tried to contact them only to be informed that they had gone bankrupt and ERR limited had bought them out and due to my course expiring they will not be helping me when all I need is a signature from my tutor and my photos taken from college !


I have looked on their website and found 3 different phone numbers all leading to the same automated message giving out an email address...which obviously I have continued to message but not had a response.... One very angry student now seeking legal advice over this course and not for the first time !!!


My advice, save your money or find some real training !
 
Re: Posting

Rang KPMG administrators 020 7311 1000 . They put me onto Alana Vine who told me to call Johnathan Ex OLCI on 07532 072184. Thanks Croppie hopefully everyone in this unfortunate situation can get some joy.
 
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