Fast track courses worth it?

[Joe Shmoe]

Hi gents,

Having lost my job in an industry I no longer want to work in, I am doing my research as to whether plumbing could be an option for the future.

I used to work as a photographic set builder and have done quite a bit of renovation work on my house, so have quite a few tools and am handy in building etc. I have fit a couple of sinks and kitchen taps, and replaced two bathroom suites for family which I enjoyed, so I am confident of doing the basics. All the work turned out good, but I have no idea of what I am doing, other than applying logic to what I am trying to achive and watching YouTube videos for training.

If I am to make a proper career, I want to get training so I can do the whole hog, that includes central heating systems and boiler fitting etc.

My question is, if I was to do the OLCI 'traing to be a plumber course' followed by the Advanced course which teaches boilers and central heating, would I be in a position to set-up as a self-employed plumber, or would I still need additional training, or real-life experience etc?

I want to do things the best way possible, but don't want to invest money and not come out fully trained for what I want to do at the end of it.

I do have the advantage of being used to building, and can plaster, tile and build to reasonable standard, so I am not a total novice, but I have no plumbing experience other than a few baths and sinks and some basic copper pipe work.

Any pointers from seasoned plumbers or those who have taken the OLCI courses would be much appreciated.


Regards
Joe.

 

[SimonG]

Go for it mate, if you think you can do it.

But first methinks you should introduce yourself to the search function on the forum and find out just how bad an idea it is.

 

[grahamgas]

Also have a go on the search function for olci.... you may change your mind.

If you do go for it, then when you first start out remember to know your limitations... it can be very easy to get out of your depth in this game, if you are not used to it

 

[SimonG]

No disrespect intended with my response, I'm in spade is a spade mode.

and welcome to the forum Joe.

 

[Resolute]

If you do go for it, then when you first start out remember to know your limitations... it can be very easy to get out of your depth in this game, if you are not used to it

Good advice, I get out of depth occasionally but luckily I have a team of colleagues to call on for advice!

 

[nicro3]

Welcome Joe, Agree with SimonG on this one. The plumbing industry is overflowing (pardon the pun) at the moment and blokes who have been in the game for years find it a struggle. I would say do your homework on the risk and return of entering the world of plumbing, but wish you luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[Dotty]

Welcome to the forums Joe. I agree with both Simon and Nicro on this. This industry is rapidly reaching saturation point as did the IT industry 10-12 year ago.

Established plumbers are struggling. These fast track courses only exist for one purpose. And, to be blunt, it ain't to turn out more plumbers into the industry. It's to line their own pockets!

The best way to become wealthy these days is to become a training provider!

 

[Subby]

Fast track is only any use if you are already emloyed, and your boss wants you to have the papers for whatever reason. You won't learn much on the course.

 

[Roger Welton]

The best way to become wealthy these days is to become a training provider!

Is there a fast track course I can do to become one?

 

[Howsie]

They are what they are. A little expensive for what you learn and not a substitute for time on the tools.

If you want an 'in' to the industry I think this is the easiest route. Sadly.

 

[Ray Stafford]

The best way to become wealthy these days is to become a training provider!

Yet they seem to go bust pretty regularly.

 

[petercj]

Yet they seem to go bust pretty regularly.

So who trains them for a new career?

 

[petercj]

Quite interesting to compare today's responses with those made back in 2008...

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbing-courses/242-olci-training.html

One of Britain's long-standing problems (one of many) is that over the past 30 years the majority of employers in most fields have shown little interest in training people - they want to employ staff who come through their doors ready to get on with the job.

Now of course things are even more that way because employers can cherry-pick from a growing pool of unemployed people with established skills.

The Germans put more value on training and have done so much better than Britain over the past 30 years.

In Britain the issue of training is a hot-potato that has been thrown back and forth between various Governments and the private sector.

 

[Howsie]

Spot on!

 

[NVivas]

its a fair point that people are being realistic about work but we cant forget that some plumbers are employed and do get jobs out there. im lucky enough to be in work at the moment.

 

[Masood]

I've always stayed away from these threads due to the amount of scorn and occasional outright hatred directed at C&G 6129 fast-track entrants to the industry, but I'm going to throw my penn'orth in here.

I have a somewhat similar background to you - my Dad was a builder (time-served chippie, but became an all-rounder). He did not want me to follow him on to the tools so I ended up with an IT degree and almost 20 years later, hated it with a passion. I was working in an investment bank, on a sickening salary, and miserable as hell.

Along came the credit crunch, and redundancy. I knew that this was my chance to do something I loved (I'd done a lot of plumbing and carpentry in my own home, for friends and family, and these were the few days in almost a lifetime that I was genuinely happy. So I took a job driving buses to keep the bills covered and used my redundancy money to do C&G 6129 - 3 weeks home study and 5 weeks in the training facility. I also did ACS gas. I worked for free, 2 days a week on my days off, for about 4 weeks to get experience for my gas portfolio. After 4 weeks, the guy offered me a job, on a very small percentage of his clear profit. I took it.

I'm now Gas Safe registered, and building my NVQ level 2 portfolio. I'm self-employed. I work pretty much full-time, and I earn a decent wage.

What is the point of my post? Just to say - DO IT!. You have one life, live it. It is not easy, there are a lot of plumbers out there. There are even more DIYers and other trades who will do plumbing as well. But if you focus on A) always keeping your word, turning up when you say you will, B) always being honest and upfront with customers C) always delivering a quality job, you can be successful.

I never refuse a job - blocked toilet at 3 AM, I'm there. 50-mile round-trip for a tap washer, I'm there. And each of those jobs leads to more work, and recommendations. My customers treat me as a trusted friend.

There are days when I feel totally out of my depth - scared witless, to be honest! But, staying calm, being logical, communicating with the customer, I get through. And each and every time, I learn something new, get a bit more confident, a bit more accomplished. And those days are becoming fewer and farther between, I don't know everything, but I know enough to do most things, and to figure the rest out, given a bit of time.

So - if you really want it, do it. Stay focused, learn from everyone and everything, each time you install a new tap, appliance, whatever, read the instructions - you might learn something new, however small, that is unique to that make or model.. If you take an old one out, take it apart and look at how it works. Use the forums, ask questions. Stay humble and realise that the short course is *just* the beginning, and you'll do fine.

Sorry for the essay - I see so many threads asking whether it's worth getting into plumbing, and I see the same replies over and over, I just wanted to give a different perspective. Good luck, buddy!

 

[mark75]

well said masood !!!

 

[REDSAW]

you cant go around quoting things like that masood, unless you own a landy!!!


if the o.p is good at tiling and plastering, why not try that theres plenty of work going..

 

[Equal tee]

Hi everyone, very interesting good luck!!!

 

[chris watkins]

Hi Masood
As you say there are many negative post about the route you have taken, I can tell that you will make a good plumber & no doubt build a successful company, & here it is - BUT you will be one of the few. Looking at it dispassionately what would you say was the better route into the industry ? For instants if you had your time again would you have started as a young apprentice plumber or go into I.T ? Is this the best form of training to become a plumber or would it be better if we had some other form of selection process ?
How many must fail because they are lead (or encourage) to believe that it is possible to learn what is required to become one in some old training centre, estimates range from 30 - 40,000 young & old who have taken the C&G 6129 over it's 7 year life, how many of them are still in the trade ???

The real challenge for the trade (& our government) is how to select & train the new generation entrants without relying on market forces with the resulting disappointed hopefuls, disillusioned college leavers with no job, & yet turn out highly skilled trades persons who can design, install & maintain the complicated modern equipment without customers having to scourer the earth to find one.
Any suggestions ??