I am coming towards the end of a 2-year level II plumbing tech cert. Our course tutor has told us the NVQ option is no longer available unless you are an apprentice.
I am looking to go onto level III next year which provides an introduction into gas appliances as well as more in depth look at cold water and central heating systems.
I am lucky as in a previous job I used to fit cookers, so have been on the gas safe register before (although it has now expired), meaning I can just re take my gas exams and get reigistered again.
However, for my fellow classmates looking to get into gas, they have been told the only route now is to take a 'Gas foundation course', which will cost in the region of £2500, which also requires the student to do 400 hours of supervised gas work with a registered engineer!
Unfortunately, the cost means it is now not really an option for most to go into gas unless they are apprenticed with a company.
....So to become gas registered with a 'Fast track' training company in 10 days or so, I would very much doubt.
I suspect you would be wasting your money.
Even on the basic plumbing level II we are finding many lads falling behind on coursework and failing exams.