About this blog
The purpose of my blog is to give an insight into the way the Building Trade Skills Centre (BTSC) recruits, operates, teaches and treats its students. I will also give a review of course material, study aides and the focus of individual “Modules”.
NOTE: This is not a BTSC sponsored or approved blog. It is a personal account of my experience and opinions of BTSC as well as those of other students.
Please select from the categories to the right of the page.
I am continuing to work on this blog and more will be coming in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Names and persons have been intentionally omitted.
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About this blog
The purpose of my blog is to give an insight into the way the Building Trade Skills Centre (BTSC) recruits, operates, teaches and treats its students. I will also give a review of course material, study aides and the focus of individual “Modules”.
NOTE: This is not a BTSC sponsored or approved blog. It is a personal account of my experience and opinions of BTSC as well as those of other students.
Please select from the categories to the right of the page.
I am continuing to work on this blog and more will be coming in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Names and persons have been intentionally omitted.
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Hi, I’m thinking of joining BTSC, I have an interview with them next week. Your blog is a fantastic insight of how BTSC operate. What made you chose BTSC vs another training center? Thanks in advance.
Hi Pete!
I think BTSC has superb facilities and very professional trainers (as explained to me by the sales staff) for a college in this industry. I think that is what ultimately sold me. If you can see through their sales pitch, you can better know what to expect and have a good experience at the college.
After attending the college, I can say that most of their training staff are, in fact, very good.
I cannot belive someone has emailed to say they are going to an ‘interview’ at this place after reading your blog, they must be mad! There are plenty of other plumbing training companies out there, choose one that is honest and up front to begin with! OLCI or VIY would be better than this lot.
Jim, thanks for the comment!
That is something to consider and the reason I put the blog up. It is important for people to do their research before they sign any agreements.
Research, research, research!
At least if anyone does choose BTSC, after doing research, they have been given a heads-up and know what to expect!
With regards to the comment that said;
“I cannot belive someone has emailed to say they are going to an ‘interview’ at this place after reading your blog, they must be mad! There are plenty of other plumbing training companies out there, choose one that is honest and up front to begin with! OLCI or VIY would be better than this lot”.
This person hasn’t looked into it much either, OLCI is mainly distance learning and doesn’t offer the same support as BTSC, and VIY claims to make you fully qualified to level 3 NVQ in 10 weeks! which is taking you for a mug as much as ommiting to inform you of certain red tape in order to get you in the door.
Thank you Neil for that information!
It was nice reading all your views. Its the same for all the new guys who have joined in recently. enjoy the first few modules and when the waiting game starts ,its then you start pulling your hair and ask yourself if it was really worth it. BTSC is just like any other business to make maximum profit. The sales guys must have told you that you will finish 8 modules in about 8 to 10 months , well, do your maths. If you signed your contract today they will give you the little health and safety book to go and read, you book your exam an so on. The whole process should not take you more than 2 weeks. After you get your results the management gives you a date for mod 1 usually after 4 weeks. It will be 6 weeks gone before you start mod.1 from the date you started your contract. Now you are happy doing your mod.1 for the whole week. End of week you do your reading over the weekend and book your exam following week. You cannot do your exam on monday so you book on tuesday you get your results latest by friday. So you have already spent 2 weeks on mod.1 after you get your results and you have passed you call management to reserve you a place in mod.2 again 4 week wait. So 6 weeks will pass before you start mod.2 and the whole process starts again. My point is you are waiting 6 weeks between module. So 6weeks multiply 8 modules will give you 48 weeks which equals to 1 year. You can now see that there is no room for flexibility, and if you are a guy like me working, its sometimes difficult to get time off on the the dates they have given you. So be prepared and have lot of spare cash.
And by the way i am finishing mod.13. Are there guys out there doing mod.14 that can give us a word .
Good insight Copper 22. Thanks for that!
Now that your in mod 13, how was your experience on their job placement?
Any more info on how this course is progressing for you? I know it can be difficult with restricted time frames etc to get passes on your assessments through a one week module, what have your experiences been like? have you had to part with much extra cash for it?
Hi Neil!
Overall, the courses have been progressing very well. The only added costs (that were unexpected) were some books. Particularly the two study guides that hey don’t sell you but tell you about in the courses is a good idea to get. I recommend getting them. Especially the JTL Plumbing NVQ Level 2. I listed them in my Suggested Reading Materials category on this blog.
Overall the costs are not as bad as it might appear at first when your calculating the costs of the course itself, not thinking of having to buy safety gear etc., which you must.
I think one also needs to think about public transportation costs. This is not an unexpected cost but parking is such an issue that its best to just take the train. A week travelcard all zones is quite a hefty charge. Something like 46 pounds I think.
The courses themselves, like I have mentioned, are very informative, stimulating and fun. My experience with most of the trainers is very good. They are clear on the tasks to be achieved, helpful throughout and good people.
Classroom is helpful for revision purposes but can get a bit dull at times.
Honestly, overall my experience at the college is positive. I have learned a lot and gained confidence in my skills towards becoming a plumber.
I will be posting some more insight on the next module soon, perhaps sometime next week for anyone interested.
I checked out BTSC in Nov 07. I was not impressed by there pushy sales person and potentially hidden costs and, after talking to a number of other people who had done a fast track C&G 6129 (Level 2) courses I kept getting the same answer, go to the Plumbing Academy in Edenbridge Kent. So, I did, and what great choice. I am now on my 18th week of the 20 week course and it has been superb with a real profesional service and ‘NO’ Hidden costs at all, and with attending 4 days a week I have been under no pressure to really study in the evenings as it is all covered during the classroom and practical sessions. Mind you, if you are looking to just get your C&G 6129 /level 2 and do not want to work hard and really lean the trade. Then this is not the place to go. But if you do, you will be well trained to a very high level to enter the world of plumbing. This place is a very well kept secret. Sorry to push the Plumbing Academy on this dedicated BTSC Blog but I hope it will help pleople to make the right choice in selecting the right training company.
Thanks for that comment. This is not a BTSC blog so your comment is most welcome! It is important that people get a wide range of information in their research.
I’ve been looking for plumbing courses. I want to do a fast course so I can get working more quickly so I looked at courses that I can finish in few weeks. I will probably go to BSTC because I like the course they have told me about and it is near to where I live. I also liked the one at OLCI. I went to see there nearest centre to me which was fine. The problem was there intensive course was full and I had to wait for a month to start. I could do their flexable course and start now but I want to do the intensive. BSTCs centre also looks good plus I have seen some good things on this web site.
Can I ask whether the BTSC modules are run at set times in the day, or is flexibility allowed? My Boyfriend is interested in this, but he currently works shfts of 6-2pm pne week and 2-10pm the next. Would they accommodate him to fit around work?
Also, does anyone have a rough idea of the costs in total for this? thanks
Yes, they are set times, 9am to 5pm, M-F. I am not aware of any night courses that the College offers. It might be a good idea to ask this when contacting the College.
Costwise, you are looking at just shy of 5,000 pounds for NVQ level 1&2. If your boyfriend is going to do Level 3 also, add to the total another 4,000 pounds.
hi i’m at btsc manchester and the whole process is much quicker … i signed contract a week last wed, had health and safety test on thursday and i’m already on module 1 (finish tomorrow) my exam will be next tuesday and if iv pass module 2 will begin the week after.
That’s great Kay-jay. They must not be overbooked for that location.
Hi
I have been looking for a plumbing course that gives me recognised qualifications to becoming a plumber. I have looked ino this in great detail and the course BTSC provide seems to tick all the right boxes.I see from previous comments that the course cost around 5k, and that the times are 9-5 mon - fri. Does the cost have to be paid all at once. Also as I am working a 9-5 job monday to friday, would i need to take a week off for each module?
If anyone can help it would be appreciated.
Thanks
Hi Chadders,
Yes, the entire amount for NVQ Level 1&2 (nearly 5k) will be paid all at once on the day of your contract signing. Level 1&2 are grouped together and cannot be split.
If you choose to do level 3 you have the option of paying another 4K at the same time or you can opt to pay level 3 later.
If you attend the College, unfortunately, you will have to work out the week off from your place of employment. The college has no method of working around your schedule.
Thanks for the advice El Diablo.
You say i will need to workout the WEEK off, does this mean I only need to take one week off work or will i need to take a week for each module?
Thanks
hi,i’ve found this blog real helpful,but im not 100% sure of something.
is the qualification after the 12months the full nvq you would get if you went to a normal full time college.or is it just the technical 6129 city and guilds qualification.as there are 2 centres im torn between choosing.able skills or btsc?????????
i’ve been plumbing for nearly 6 years now,but never gained any qualifications.i work for a plumbing company but to be able to get anywhere near the ammount of money i should be getting i need those all important papers.im willing to part with the cash but i wanna spend it at the right place,not one i nearly did and ended up with a qualification worth sweet f.a.
i know you say earlier on your replys its just short of 5000 for nvq 1 and 2 but i’ve been told that by a few now only to find out they are worthless city and guilds.
thanks for any more info
doing NVQ 2 at the momoment, did mod 14 in oct 07, kept in touch with quite a few of the guys i was on courses with….no-one has done there ACS in alloted time.
We all did get jobs however and have been busy installing boilers etc for a few months.
i think BTSC should get a heart and cease being such self-interested, money grabbing donkeys, basically they have a good thing to offer as it’s a great facilitly and great trainers but sometimes it does become a bitter pill too swallow.
Drewski, £5000 only get you C&G, you need £12000 + to get NVQ2
HI guys,
not sure wether or not chessington is the same as manchester but the first payment has been reduced by a grand in m/cr and is now 3850 for city and guilds level 2, it is now also only 2850 for your level 3 and around 1500-2000 for final payment for acs gas etc.
some of the guys on my course are preety miffed to find that some of us are saving a lot of money compared to what they paid.
kay-jay
Chadders,
Yes, a week per module is what you will need to take off from work.
Kay-jay,
Maybe that is what they are offering Manchester people. I have not heard of this being offered at Chessington. Im sure many people will be miffed to hear about being charge 1000 more than Manchester!
Drewski,
yes the £5000 is to fulfill the basic requirements for City & Guilds Technical Certificate Level 2. Im not sure exactly how that compare to a regular 2 year college course. Perhaps some of our readers can shed some light on that.
Hi there,
I am currently training at the Btsc, i’ve got my mod 8 in a few weeks time. I just wanted to know if there was anyone else who has done this course that started with absolutely no knowledge of plumbing or the construction industry? I’ve also got ZERO work experience and am started to panic!!! Can anyone offer me any advice?
That would be me! I started the course having been to university and having no knowledge of the construction industry, apart from watching a bit of changing rooms and replacing the sealant in my shower. I am about to start my module 7 and am certain that plumbing is what I want to do. I reckon I will finish module 8 in another 5 weeks time and will be ready to start work…..but where??. I have been ringing around local plumbers and bathroom fitting shops but no one wants to know. So I have taken a job as a labourer in my local area (Surrey) so I can get my foot in the door. I am thinking its who you know…not what you know, so hopefully by the end of the year I will have more options available to me. Have a look at my blog to check my progress or if you want to get an idea of what the course is like. Goodluck! Alex
Hi there!!
Ive just been offered a place at btsc, havnt signed a contract or anything yet!
Im 24, done the whole uni thing, now want a career change.
Is it worth the 12k?? mackieaj you seem to have no regrets, i mean what do you think????
cheers
btw great blog
If you want quality training in the plumbing and heating field look no further than The Plumbing Academy at Edenbridge (www.plumbingacademy.co.uk). The standard of both classroom and workshop training is superb.
I have done C&G Level 2 and 3 Tech Certs and NVQ with them. Also Water Regs, Energy Efficiency, Unvented Hot Water, Solar Systems, various electrical courses.
I started in Dec 2005 - I have been working on my own since achieving Level 2 in May 2006, and have done all this since. I have recently completed my ACS with them earlier this year, and just this week have had my CORGI registration confirmed. Just done an LPG changeover course and ACS assessment.
I am now 54!! My new business is really taking off (the second one I have started in the last 15 years) - I could not have done this without The Plumbing Academy.
thanks for your comments i rang the other day on the 10th july 2008 and a woman said she would have to ask me a few questions on the phone before asking me for an interview where av u worked etc bollocks lol .and got the impression i was being laughed at on the phone i got accepte for an interview and she said how does that feel your going to be a limited few that does this course so i was yes wow now after reading ths i can understand why i had some salesperson asking me questions when she had no rights now ive got an interview with her im gonna ring her on the day and tell her im going to be 5 mins late then ring again and say im nearly there and then ring her again and say oh shit i forgot to tell you im not comming. now you no what its like to keep something from u and waste her time likes shes wasted munne i cant afford 5k for 1k nvq and another 4k for anoter ???? people these days why dont they do a scheme where they pay for ur training and u pay them bk out of ur wages when u get a plumbing job that would be easier and beter wouldnt it
great site for those dipping the toe into plumbing.
I’m up at the manchester site & progressing steadily through the mods.
As stated previously here the interviews are of course nothing more than pre selection….if you have the money your in.
The trainers are excellent & will show you hands on practical skills rather than college based academic crap.
I worked previously for skills training & can assure you that colleges are bums on seats places that draw out nvq quals to two years when the level 2 c&g is obtainable in 6 months.
I would say that self study is the key here & topping up every time you fail either exam is not going to help in the long run, after all who takes a pile of books to a job as referral manuals.( would be funny to see the customers face though)
Chessington from what i gather is oversubscribed & at least here in’t north you can more or less jump on the next mod as soon as you pass the previous tests.
I like all of those on board are curious as to where the job will come from once you are qualified.
Manchester centre offered a 100% guaranteed job once you achieved level 2 & 3 which sounds too good i know.
As no one has got to the end of 3 yet I await the arrival of the BTSC careers team with baited breath to see where these jobs are?
My experience has been a good one so far but do agree that common sense & speaking to those already on the courses is a good idea to get a sense of what to expect.
Not many employers these days allow so much time off work within a 12 month period ( 20/24 days average) so be aware that this will affect how quickly you can get through the units.
Anyways thats my two penneth
ps. a bit more flux on that joint!!
One of my close friends is a “director of recruitment” at BTSC in Manchester, I told him about this blog and he read through, he feels that some of the comments are a bit harsh and that the guys and gals working there are always bein pulled up by management if they say anything misleading at all, he says that management always try to keep very strict guidelines on how the courses are put across and it certainly is not a case of ‘if you’ve got the cash your in’ because my friend has turned people away when they have had the cash in front of them because he felt they were not right for the course, and think about it, for anyone who has been around the centre at manchester, there are only 12 bays per module which equals 12 people at any one time so a max of roughly 200/240 people can train at any one time and they are getting hundreds and hundreds of people in for interviews every month so basic mats tells you that there is only a select few that can get a place there unless they are willing to wait, but that isnt the case either as manchester isnt booked to capacity yet again proving that they are very selective because if they were only interested in taking peoples money then the centre would have been packed months ago as they have had literally 1000’s of potential candidates through their doors since they opened in January, not everything in this world is a scam and I suppose the people with a bad experience of BTSC are the ones who were unlucky enough to get a poor director of recruitment before BTSC found them out and gave them the boot, which I’m told they will do without any hesitation for anyone who steps out of line.
Well that’s my rant over, and the reason I have posted this is due to the fact that my friend was worried he would be breaking the t&c’s of his contract if he wrote it and didn’t want to risk his job as he genuinely feels he is helping people to change their lives for the much better.
I am about to/in the process to join BTSC up in Manchester, is it possible to attend some of the modules in evening/weekend so not having to take the time off work?
Hi Jimmyb69, Yes it is possible, they do “flexi-modules” or atleast they do at the Chessington centre. This entails 2 full week days, Monday and Tuesday, and 2 evenings 6 - 10, one week, then 2 weekday evenings 6-10 and a saturday of the following week. Though I don’t know how available these are because it is reliant on enough people requesting the course. I have done 2 modules full time and never been offered a flexi before until now for my 3rd module.
If you want quality training in the plumbing and heating field look no further than The Plumbing Academy at Edenbridge (www.plumbingacademy.co.uk). The standard of both classroom and workshop training is superb.
I have done C&G Level 2 and 3 Tech Certs and NVQ with them. Also Water Regs, Energy Efficiency, Unvented Hot Water, Solar Systems, various electrical courses.
I started in Dec 2005 - I have been working on my own since achieving Level 2 in May 2006, and have done all this since. I have recently completed my ACS with them earlier this year, and just this week have had my CORGI registration confirmed. Just done an LPG changeover course and ACS assessment.
I am now 54!! My new business is really taking off (the second one I have started in the last 15 years) - I could not have done this without The Plumbing Academy.
Comment by Mark Humphryes | June 30, 2008
Is this guy for real???? Why doesn’t he just take a fee from the plumbing academy and be done with it?!! Or maybe he works for them??? I WONDER lol!!! I knwo for a fact that the plumbing academy has gone into liquidation and set up as slightly different company name so DON’T trust that lot.
Hi, Just been accepted onto M’cr training, nothing signed yet. Seems alot of people went to interviews this week. Is the health & safety test the same as CSCS Operative test for Health &safety? i’ve already revised for CSCS H&S but not taken it yet (was going to do Tiling on-site work) Could you let me know cos then i could just book test straight away & needn’t buy another useless book! Cheers
Am going to sign the contrat at BTSC Manchester soon. I live far away from Manchester so is any one has any informaion on B&B at a reasonable price not far from the center. Thnks
Sena
Hi there, this blog is certainly the most informative I have found of the BTSC centres, but was wondering when the continuation of information my take place, i.e. Mod 4 revision etc?
Thanks