Training for a plumbing, gas or electrical career: 12 questions you must ask

The financial rewards, flexible lifestyle and varied work of a plumbing/gas or electrical career make them a very attractive choice for Service leavers. You also have the option of setting up your own business or working for a company; and providing an essential service means there will always be a demand for qualified tradespeople. But training takes time, effort and money so it’s important you make the right choices – we asked for tips from the industry’s leading training provider.

The importance of finding the right training course for you

OLCI Construction Training is the UK’s only nationwide construction training provider and has years of experience helping ex-Forces personnel make the transition to a successful civilian career. Max Mortimer, OLCI’s Director of Training, advises: ‘Everyone’s circumstances are different, so you need to find the right training provider for you. OLCI’s approach is to look after students every step of the way, and we’ve found our Armed Forces students, as well as gaining recognised qualifications, want to know they’ll get support in starting their own business or finding a job. Plus they need flexibility to fit their training around service and family commitments, train after leaving or even start training while abroad.’
Key questions to ask when looking for a training provider

Max suggests you ask the following questions, to find the training provider that best meets your needs.  A reputable company or college should be happy to provide the answers:

1. Is the training provider solid, established and reputable? Check out things like their accrediting bodies, the calibre of the companies they partner & student testimonials.
2. Can you do the theory part of the training when and where you want, and do they have a centre near you for your practical training?
3. Do you have the flexibility to start when you want, or will you have to fit around term dates & waiting lists?
4. Can you train to achieve industry recognised qualifications? Again look for the UK’s top accrediting bodies, like City & Guilds, EAL, Gas Safe Register, Logic & BPEC.
5. Will you be trained by supportive tutors with both teaching & relevant industry experience?
6. What are the training centres & their facilities like – and does the training provider own and manage its centres?
7. What size are the groups for your practical training & what tutor support do you get when doing the theory?
8. Do you get post-training support for setting up a business or finding a job?
9. Do they offer specialist resettlement courses?
10. Are their courses approved for ELC funding?
11. Are they a preferred training provider to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)?
12. Do they guarantee high salaries & jobs? The answer to look for is ‘no’! The nature of the job market means you should treat companies guaranteeing high paying salaries & jobs with caution.

Free, expert advice

OLCI are keen to support Service leavers who are thinking of a plumbing/gas or electrical career. They offer a free guide ‘Choosing the right training provider for you’ and also have a team of expert Career Advisors who can offer free career advice, explain the different qualifications and answer any questions. To talk to a Career Advisor or for your free copy of the guide, call OLCI on Freephone 0800 093 2590 or 020 7430 8405.

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