I am looking at doing a plumbing heating and gas course

[Benjamin Hobson]

Hi all,
i am about to leave the Royal Marines next year and I am looking at getting into plumbing/gas.
i have found a course I like the look of just wanted some advise on if this is the right way to go?
it is with brookehouse training ltd and is a multi-skilled gas engineer level 3 including plumbing, central heating, gas, appliance fault finding and a guaranteed workplace in writing to build my portfolio.
qualifications gained will be BPEC water regulations (bye laws), CITB intermediate gas certificate and CITB ACS assessments.
is this enough to get a start in the industry and to become gas registered?

thanks for all replys in advance

 

[A1P]

There are a lot of threads about private courses on here.I have seen very few positive comments and many comment about how expensive they are and that the qualifications offered are not what the trade is looking for.There are a number of threads on here specifically about Brookhouse Training.I have just read through one from March 2013 which gives a balanced review.

 

[spanner]

Welcome benjamin.
Start with check in plumbing courses in the plumbing forum.
And hopefully this will get you up and running with some advice interest.
Good luck and hope you enjoy it here in the UKPF

 

[Benjamin Hobson]

Just an extra question, how long are you looking at to build your portfolio up? Is 6 weeks enough as that's what they say?

 

[hammers4spanner]

It may also be a good idea to see how many other gas and plumbs are operating in your catchment area .

 

[Benjamin Hobson]

Hi, there are quite a few, but the training provider offers a work placement in your area guaranteed, I'm also willing to travel daily

 

[hammers4spanner]

Its not the work placement its how much work you would get once you qualify .

 

[Benjamin Hobson]

Yes I understand that, but I think if you look hard enough and come across well that shouldn't be a problem, what I wanted to know was how long you think it will take to build a portfolio? Is it a certain amount of jobs? Hours?

 

[rpm]

Yes I understand that, but I think if you look hard enough and come across well that shouldn't be a problem

#6, there are quite a few in my area is what you said now that to me is a problem! Please take your Rose tinted glasses off for one minute.

 

[Benjamin Hobson]

How's that a problem? I'm not looking to set up a business? I'm looking to do the course and get work, which surely means the more in my area the better? Also I was on about a work placement in my area so again surely that's a good thing?

 

[rpm]

Righto, most people who come on here are looking to qualify and go self-employed straight away hence some of the replies you`ve been getting, now we know different may I suggest you go and talk to some of these guys in your area about the course and employment afterwards.

 

[spanner]

Yes fine but this "six weeks" to building a portfolio management means you have a lot to do whether it's just plumbing OR gas related.
For someone who is "looking" to complete it in compressed timing, you'd be best to adhere to hammers4spanner like he has explained.
Within your grasp
Try and get the latest and as much practical knowledge as possible.

 

[hammers4spanner]

You will get a placement easy i would imagine as training centres will take your money and pretty much pass you if you look safe enough .

Its the getting a decent wage after i would worry about .

What area are you ?

 

[spanner]

It may also be a good idea to see how many other gas and plumbs are operating in your catchment area .

That sounds like a new75mm Hammers4spanner .lolz
Merry Christmas mate and happy new year.

 

[Benjamin Hobson]

Hi, I am in bournemouth

 

[Benjamin Hobson]

Hi all thanks for the response, to clarify I am not the kind of person to think that I could do an 18 week course and then set up a business, my plan is to get 5 years experience under my belt before I even think about that, just want a change in career and not expecting £40k a year I'd be happy with £20k - £25 and I'm sure I could get that with my attitude towards work.

 

[jtsplumbing]

Hello Ben, and welcome, You mention work placement in your area ? (Where Are You) I am located just outside Plymouth , large area for guys in the Marines, Not a good area to try for employment in the plumbing industry, unless you have got a few years experience , and that is the key factor, opportunities in other areas of uk could be better, Numbers in this area average around 600 , and not a lot of construction work going on just yet (Things in Pipeline) And this reflects on wages, I like a lot of other Plumbers in this location get numinous calls, emails asking for help to do what you are hoping to do, offering to work for free, just to gain experience, Don't just jump into this trade there are other opportunities in construction, do some more research B4 you decide and part with quite a large amount money, But good luck with what decide to do.

 

[rpm]

Hi, I am in bournemouth

Anyone in Bournemouth amongst us looking to take on a fast tracker next year?

 

[Benjamin Hobson]

Hi jts plumbing yes I am based in Plymouth now but won't be looking for work there, thanks for the info though

 

[hammers4spanner]

Knowing what i know now and if i was say 34 years old in another job i would be looking at brick laying . Shortage of brickies down where i am and with a new town being built guaranteeing 20 years worth of work. The lads i know hit grand a week laying blocks, not for everyone but good wedge and in demand.