any help im confused

[ndwhite]

hi everyone and sorry if this has already been discussed just i couldnt find any post about this really. im starting a plumbing course in a couple of weeks time at my local college. its an evening class and when i applied for this i was on the understanding that the course i was goiong for was the 6129 which takes 2 years. i have now been told by the college that this course cant be done now. they said that im doing a peo level 1 which is a year course 2 nights a week. after completing this ihave to get a job which allows me to take day release to go to college to then go for my 6129. is this right? i have no plumbing experience what so ever just looking for a career change, so confusing. any info and help be great. thanks in advance

 

[fuzzy]

no worng, the 6129 is a tec cert and should have been stopped this year but it has been extended so still available for 1 year.
if you do a peo level 1 and get a job then u can go onto level diploma in plumb but if no job you cannot do the 6129 becuase it will no longer exist, any other questions?

 

[ndwhite]

whats the diploma? surely no one will employ me until i have some experience. i.e the level 1 peo. i chose the night course as i dont think i can afford to live on apprentice wages as im 27 and have a house, car and bills to pay. any companies that take on people like me

 

[fuzzy]

the diploma is the new name for the new qualification. it is replacing the nvq although they may also keep the nvq name in there somehow.
yes this may see the end of short courses as you must be employed to take the qual unless they revise it because of opposition.
they aim to replace the full time courses with a pre apprenticeship summitskills level 1 in building servcies, that includes elec, pipe fitting, plumbing and refridgeration. i think its a good idea, many people can do a level 1 multi skill and then apply for apprenticeships in either of the 4 trades, if plumb is doing nothing they have another 3 to go for. 3 of the units you sit can be used against either of the bew diplomas meaning you havnt wasted time

 

[ndwhite]

i think i get it. so is a peo level one a good place to start and where would i go from there. sorry about all the questions

 

[fuzzy]

no problem mate, yeh a peo is a good starter course but its only that im afriad. i like people who are prepared to start at the correct level and work their way to were they wanna go.
if you dont get on a tc2 this year your only option is to get a job if u wanna be a plumber.
other options are professional studies like a national certificate in building studies or building services, thats for design engineers though, you wanna work on the tools?

 

[ndwhite]

thanks for your time. i think i will continue with the peo and have chat with the tutor to see what they say. in the mean time i think i will start emailing and talking to some companies and see if they will take me on.

 

[fuzzy]

yes continue with your peo, it proves you can dedicate yourself to a course of study, thats makes you more credible as a prospective apprentice. that said there will be many more in the same position, i wish you well

 

[ndwhite]

thanks again