Saucepan
Your post is interesting in how you seem eager to spend your money on a course, to learn some theoory about plumbing. The internet world is full of theory about plumbing - learn it for free.
You have other alternatives, such as joining a professional body as a student member and going to technical evenings - CIPHE.
However, I feel it a shame that our technical training system cannot cater for you. You have skills and knowledge that could be extended by good quality technical training for 'experienced' operatives - instead you are faced with joining training that is designed for novice jobbers or school kid preparatory courses.
It is also ironic, that the whole point of NVQs was to bring flexible qualifications and eradication of time serving with its inherent demarcation for different trades. Yet 30 years-in, we still have no sign of qualifications which are suitable for those that already have relevant technical knowledge.
I think with your skill set, a plumbing enhancement will bode well for future renewable markets, but this will be as oversupplied as the plumbing and gas market.
My advice would be to move into management, because you have relevant experience and there is a skill shortate (publicised by the summitskills sector implemetation strategy). Note, all these plumbers and electricians willing to work for free or minimum wage, now need organising - think AA, homeserve, RAC, Tesco etc offering contract or insurance policies.
Installation is clearly for minimum wage occupations, so avoid this by heading for supervisor roles and qualifications. Especially that your skill-set will be in demand at some stage in the near future with the green deal.
Your post is interesting in how you seem eager to spend your money on a course, to learn some theoory about plumbing. The internet world is full of theory about plumbing - learn it for free.
You have other alternatives, such as joining a professional body as a student member and going to technical evenings - CIPHE.
However, I feel it a shame that our technical training system cannot cater for you. You have skills and knowledge that could be extended by good quality technical training for 'experienced' operatives - instead you are faced with joining training that is designed for novice jobbers or school kid preparatory courses.
It is also ironic, that the whole point of NVQs was to bring flexible qualifications and eradication of time serving with its inherent demarcation for different trades. Yet 30 years-in, we still have no sign of qualifications which are suitable for those that already have relevant technical knowledge.
I think with your skill set, a plumbing enhancement will bode well for future renewable markets, but this will be as oversupplied as the plumbing and gas market.
My advice would be to move into management, because you have relevant experience and there is a skill shortate (publicised by the summitskills sector implemetation strategy). Note, all these plumbers and electricians willing to work for free or minimum wage, now need organising - think AA, homeserve, RAC, Tesco etc offering contract or insurance policies.
Installation is clearly for minimum wage occupations, so avoid this by heading for supervisor roles and qualifications. Especially that your skill-set will be in demand at some stage in the near future with the green deal.
