How Your Life Could Change With Our Plumber, Electrical and Construction Training Courses

Andrew Lenthall

Electrician

“I had previous knowledge of the electrical industry and I needed to ensure that I was up to the current regulations in order to start my own business...”

It was very clear in Andrew’s mind what he wanted to achieve, he wanted to be his own boss and start his own business.
“Currently I am in the process of establishing my own electrical company and putting to use my experience and knowledge gained from training and previous work. The deciding factor for signing up was the need to update a particular qualification (17th Edition) and also achieve a new one (2391 Inspection and testing) to further my advancement within the electrical industry. I signed up after being made redundant at the end of 2008 and started the first part of the course in early 2009, completing the second instalment not long after. Training is important for learning new skills and the theory behind certain practices. It is also very useful, due to ever changing technology and regulations in certain working environments, to be able to have the opportunity to update one’s knowledge of correct methods for personal advancement.”

When finding out about how Andrew would spend his time in centre he tells us...
“I found my time spent at Access to be extremely worthwhile. Each of the two courses I attended were a week’s duration, though before undertaking them I was concerned that this would not be enough time to gain all the information I needed to be successful in qualification. However, I found the course tutors were very helpful, presented all the information I needed clearly and without any unnecessary information to confuse things. Both courses were also structured really well which not only helped with learning, but also with revision planning to make things a little less stressful. I attained both of the qualifications I trained for at Access and I think things could have been a lot tougher had it not been for the staff there who made the experience as informative and enjoyable as possible.”

Marc Jones

Electrician

“When I signed up for the course I was still in employment, but my decision to invest in the course came about as the company’s workload had essentially hit a wall and there was talk of making people redundant.”

When Marc met with the course advisor he shared his experience:
“Once I had met with him and had been made aware of the qualifications I would be working towards, the cost pretty much became irrelevant. I knew that over the course of my life the financial benefits far outweighed the initial cost. Once I had given the future possibilities a thought, I knew that this was the best path to take.”

When talking about his “In Centre” experience Marc tells us;
“Any questions I had they were helpful and answered, if they couldn’t answer they were happy enough to find out. I have been back there a few times in the last year and I still get a smiling face from the guys and have been told that any time I need help with anything, just ring or pop in.”

Marc finds his perfect situation!
“I am working for a small company within the local area, we contract out to the company that last year I worked for. This for me is a perfect situation as I am working within a familiar environment and am involved within large projects.” Marc adds “If I hadn’t spent money and invested in my future I wouldn’t be in this position now.”

Marlon Mcfarlane

Plumbing & Bricklaying

“I like the fact that I’ve constantly been training and learning new things. I’ve found that for me the best way to learn is to see other people doing a job and have a go for myself.”

Why Choose City & Guilds?
With a family tradition of working in the construction industry, 25 year-old Marlon McFarlane says that a wide-ranging course of study has enabled him to pick and choose the section of the industry he’d like to work in - and where.

Why did you choose this career?
Back at home in Jamaica my dad is a builder. I’ve done bits and pieces with him from about the age of twelve and I’d go around with him on various different jobs.

Which qualifications did you do?
I’ve done a whole range of courses in different areas of construction. I particularly enjoyed the City & Guilds Bricklaying course that I did. I’ve also done the Advanced Plumbing qualification and I’m working towards the Domestic Electrics qualification.

What’s the best thing about the job?
I like the fact that I’ve constantly been training and learning new things. I’ve found that for me the best way to learn is to see other people doing a job and have a go for myself.

What’s the worst thing about the job?
Well, as a bricklayer you find yourself out and about in the British weather! I’m looking forward to working in the sunshine in Jamaica when I’m qualified.

What do you want to do in the future?
My ideal job would be to work for a small building contractor in Jamaica. I’m multi-skilled so it would be nice to be able to put all the training I’ve done to good use. I wouldn’t like to end up doing the same thing over and over every day, and I think with a smaller company the work would be more varied.

Paul Guiver

Property Developer

“I feel that the organisation is run in a similar fashion to military training with very experienced and knowledgeable staff who are always there to help, every step of the way”

What made you decide to change career?
Having served 33 years in the Navy, where I was holding the position of Requirements Manager of the Underwater Systems Team, I felt it important to maximise any resettlement grants that were available during the last 18 months of service.

Why did you decide to get a trade?
I’d just sold a farm and decided to go into property development using the funds from that sale. I’d renovated properties in the past but usually acted as the foreman, controlling the various tradesman that I brought in. So I suppose I decided to use my resettlement grants to gain skills to save me money in the future.

Why did you choose Access Training?
I contacted various agencies advertised in Quest and found the information they sent through most appealing. Access provided me with a lot of information very quickly without putting me under any pressure, unlike some other providers who are still hounding me now.

What courses have you done with Access Training?
My brother is a builder and he advised me that the best skill I could get under my belt would be plumbing so I started with the plumbing 6129. I then decided to undertake the Electrical 17th Edition and Part P qualifications. The level of training was so high that I then decided to go back and complete a plastering course.

How would you assess the training and tuition that you've received from Access Training?
I feel that the organisation is run in a similar fashion to military training with very experienced and knowledgeable staff who are always there to help, every step of the way.

Would you recommend Access Training to anyone looking at resettlement?
I already have. The training provided along with the excellent facilities and accommodation has meant I've come back to gain my third trade and also recommended it to three colleagues who are in the process of applying as we speak.

What plans do you have for the future?
Well I’ll be coming back here again next year to undertake the carpentry course using up another available ELC, and, of course I’ll be putting all these skills into practice renovating and old cottage I’ve recently bought

Richard Gates

Electrician

“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my working life. I like being my own boss and having control over my working week. And I’m earning three times what I was at the BBC!”

Why Choose City & Guilds?
A former BBC employee, Richard Gates made a ‘shocking’ career U-turn when he decided to retrain as an electrician. He set up his own business, 365 Electronics, after completing his City & Guilds, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Why did you choose this career?
I became disillusioned with my job at the BBC. At the time, they were always talking about the skills shortage for electricians on the news. I thought that I’d get some qualifications and give it a go myself.

Which qualifications did you do?
I’ve done three City & Guilds qualifications, in wiring regulations, inspection and testing and portable appliance testing. The qualifications were brilliant because they got me my first job - I worked for another electrician for nine months before setting up my own company two years ago. I also learned how to rewire a house without destroying it!

What’s the best thing about the job?
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my working life. I like being my own boss and having control over my working week. And I’m earning three times what I was at the BBC.

What’s the worst bit of the job?
The constant vigilance you need to have to keep up with receipts, invoicing and getting work in.

What’s the money like?
When I first started I was on around £80 to £100 a day. I currently charge between £200 and £300 a day, which is in line with other electricians.

What do you want to do in the future?
I’m going to expand the company. It’s a bit daunting facing things like sorting out a payroll and being responsible for other people’s livelihoods, but I don’t like turning down work!

Sean Gully

Electrician

“I'm actually doing something I enjoy! I was never comfortable wearing a suit and sitting in an office, whereas now, I'm out and about getting my hands dirty. I love it...”

What made you decide to change career?
“I was in IT sales, selling document management solutions, but due to the recession, the work was drying up and with a wife and kids to support I felt it was time to get a trade and find a career where I could almost guarantee myself work ,wherever I went . After some research I found that electricians were in high demand.”

Why did you choose Access Training?
“There were two reasons to be honest. Firstly, once I'd spoken to three or four training providers, I found that at Access Training I was able to complete all my training modules at the same centre, whereas, with other organizations I needed to complete different weeks at different centres throughout the UK which wouldn't give me the consistency that I felt I needed to step back into training. Secondly and to me more importantly, I felt right from the start that I wasn't just a number. I was able to talk to the lecturers right from the start which put me at ease. They really understood what I needed and gave me sound advise rather than just 'making a sale'.”

What courses have you done with Access Training?
“The first course I did was PAT testing but I have also completed my Part P, the 17th Edition and 2392 qualifications and I am now about to complete my 2391 Inspection and Testing certificate.”

How would you assess the training and tuition that you've received from Access Training?
They get the job done! I've passed all the exams I've taken both practical and theory which after all these years out of education is pretty impressive. I have to admit I was dreading the theory and homework side of the course, but, with their unique approach, backed up with really comprehensive manuals and the friendly approach of the tutors, I had no problems at all. If I ever got stuck they were there to help out (and they even give me advice now that I'm working!!). There is a lot of effort spent on the theory which meant that no time was wasted during your weeks of onsite specialist training. You needed to complete each module of home study prior to undertaking the practical which minimized any wasted time.

What plans do you have for the future?
Well that's already started. I've already gone self employed and I'm planning on building the business over the next couple of years.

What's the best thing about your new career?
I'm actually doing something I enjoy! I was never comfortable wearing a suit and sitting in an office, whereas now, I'm out and about getting my hands dirty I love it.