Quality training and assessment for gas engineers – from the experts

Gas Train Ltd was founded in 2002 to provide quality training and assessment for gas engineers under the National Accreditation Certificate Scheme for domestic core gas and appliance qualifications. It soon became apparent that we needed to expand our range of qualifications to include commercial core and appliances as well as LPG (LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS), OFTEC (oil fired installer and technicians) and electrical installer qualifications. In 2006 we relocated to a new purpose-designed building and are now able to offer an entry-level course for mature students looking for a career change.

Assess prior learning (APL) is a managed learning programme consisting of four weeks’ in-house training interspersed with eight weeks’ on-site practical experience and portfolio building with a professional mentor. On completion the candidate will be eligible to undertake domestic core gas and appliance assessment (up to four appliances) and combustion products analysis (CPA). On completion of these assessments the candidate will be eligible to sign up with the Gas Safe Register as a probationary installer.

Our centre offers up-to-date courses in comfortable surroundings using a variety of resources for training. Accommodation can also be arranged for candidates from other regions.

Our staff are friendly, professional and supportive, and are able to draw on many decades of experience in the gas, oil and electrical heating industry. We are experienced in the training and assessment of Service personnel. For further information please call us on 01634 671753 or email hayley@gas-train.co.uk.

See the advertisement on page 37.

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 Faulkner, 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:

Is the training provider solid, established and reputable? Check out things like their accrediting bodies, the calibre of the companies they partner & student testimonials.
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?
Do you have the flexibility to start when you want, or will you have to fit around term dates & waiting lists?
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.
Will you be trained by supportive tutors with both teaching & relevant industry experience?
What are the training centres & their facilities like – and does the training provider own and manage its centres?
What size are the groups for your practical training & what tutor support do you get when doing the theory?
Do you get post-training support for setting up a business or finding a job?
Do they offer specialist resettlement courses?
Are their courses approved for ELC funding?
Are they a preferred training provider to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)?
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.

See the advertisement on page 5.

Trade Skills 4U teams up with Royal British Legion to help retrain ex-Forces personnel

The UK’s leading independent electrical and renewable energy training provider, Trade Skills 4U, has announced that its Forgotten Heroes Bursary Scheme candidates will now be able to access financial support when they take up the free training initiative set up in June 2011.

The free training bursary was officially launched by Falklands hero Simon Weston OBE at the company’s renewable energy centre open day, and aims to give away £100,000-worth of free training to those who are struggling to find their feet after leaving the Forces. Whether this struggle is due to illness, injury or a lack of support this permanent offer will arm the candidates will practical skills for a new career.

However, since its launch in June the company is experiencing a lack of eligible candidates that have the funds in place to travel to the centre based in Gatwick, West Sussex. ‘We are a national company and have strong affiliations with the Forces and as a result eligible candidates from all over the UK are applying for our bursary. Unfortunately those who would benefit most from a scheme such as this are often facing hardship and have been out of employment for some time. As a result we are finding that these candidates are having trouble covering the costs of travel or accommodation in order to take advantage of this free training scheme,’ says Chloe Bennett, Marketing Executive at Trade Skills 4U.

Thanks to Civvy Street, the Royal British Legion’s employment support service, a candidate who is eligible for Legion support could have access to funding to help support their costs of travel and/or accommodation as well as other expenses while they train. ‘This partnership will bridge this gap and hopefully enable those most deserving of the bursary, the financial help to enable them to take hold of this great opportunity,’ adds Miss Bennett.

Trade Skills 4U bursary candidates will have the opportunity to train as domestic installers, electricians and renewable energy installers, and will take advantage of the company’s first-class and dedicated training centres.

To find out more about the Forgotten Heroes Bursary Scheme, potential candidates should visit www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/free-training.

See the advertisement on page 51.

Secure your new career: train with the professionals

If you want a successful career in either the gas or electrical sectors, then you have to start with high-quality, professional training, and there is nowhere better to start than at the leading building services engineering provider, Steve Willis Training Centres.

Adam Dodson, Technical Director at Steve Willis Training, says ‘Our multicourse packages provide a flexible, structured route to you achieving essential industry qualifications, but they are about much more than just the qualifications. You’ll benefit from your trainers’ extensive industry knowledge, many opportunities to network with our other customers (working engineers), learn your trade in modern facilities and practical training areas, receive solid guidance and mentoring during the course and after as your career progresses, a confidence that your training is first class – our reputation is built on “doing things properly” ensuring that you are competent and prepared for the workplace, and our strong industry links to help you secure a work placement. Our centres are easily accessible by car, train or bus, with our Hampshire centre only five miles’ drive from HMS Nelson, Portsmouth, and a five-minute walk from Portchester Station.

‘If you want a rewarding, secure future career then our knowledgeable training advisers will provide comprehensive information, advice and guidance from your first enquiry through to booking your course.’

Nick Sergeant is just one of the many Service leavers who have successful careers following training at Steve Willis Training Centres. He says, ‘I completed the Electrical Package at Steve Willis’s in 2008 as a part of my resettlement training and using enhanced learning credits. I was provided with good advice on the courses that were most suitable for me, and found the booking process easy. Plenty of useful pre-course information was provided and I felt that I was ready for training on the first day. Both courses were very well explained and the quality of the instruction was very good, with a good balance of practical and written work. The administration staff and the teaching staff were helpful and friendly, and the learning environment was very good. At the end of each course I felt confident that I was well prepared for the examinations. In March 2009 I enrolled with ELECSA’s competent person scheme and Steve Willis Training provided a half day of revision and advice prior to my ELECSA assessment. I feel that Steve Willis Training has provided me with some excellent training, advice and support, and I have now successfully established my own business as a domestic installer.’

For more information please visit www.stevewillis.com, call 01444 870860 or email info@stevewillis.com

See the advertisement on page 28.

Tailored construction training from AbleSkills

Able Skills offers training in tiling, bricklaying, plumbing, gas, plastering, carpentry, kitchen fitting, painting and decorating, electrical installation and renewable technologies. Its AbleSkills Construction Training Centre has worked for many years with Service leavers, arranging training to suit every individual.

We cater for a number of people with different requirements: Service personnel who have lived in rented accommodation (married quarters) having never acquired any home maintenance skills, or those who are interested in pursuing a career in the lucrative building trades. As noted above, we can train to qualification standards in tiling, plastering, bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating, gas, electrical installation and renewable energy, which can lead to City & Guilds, NICEIC, CITB and BPEC certification. Alternatively, we can put together a variety of courses of your choice to produce a multi-skills package. We are confident that we can provide you with quality training to prepare you for life outside the MoD.

We understand that the resettlement process can be lengthy and complicated, but we have staff in place to guide and help you, and try to make the whole transaction as smooth as possible, including help with paperwork.

AbleSkills is possibly the largest construction training centre in the UK and we have dedicated training centres for each construction subject, as well as staff who are trade qualified (some ex-Servicemen) and have teaching qualifications. Our excellent facilities and staff ensure that the training you receive is second to none, and we are confident that you will leave having achieved everything you set out to.

Able Skills is committed to providing first-class training to everyone, regardless of gender, age or status. We are confident in the training we provide and this is proven by the fact that we are regularly booked up with people training for resettlement.

Able Skills Ltd is both CTP and ELCAS approved.

For more information or to book a course please call 0808 100 3245

See the advertisement on page 22

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

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 Faulkner, 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:

Is the training provider solid, established and reputable? Check out things like their accrediting bodies, the calibre of the companies they partner & student testimonials.
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?
Do you have the flexibility to start when you want, or will you have to fit around term dates & waiting lists?
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.
Will you be trained by supportive tutors with both teaching & relevant industry experience?
What are the training centres & their facilities like – and does the training provider own and manage its centres?
What size are the groups for your practical training & what tutor support do you get when doing the theory?
Do you get post-training support for setting up a business or finding a job?
Do they offer specialist resettlement courses?
Are their courses approved for ELC funding?
Are they a preferred training provider to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)?
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.

See advertisement on page 5.

Plumbing, gas and electrical careers: why a ‘traditional’ trade can prove a great career choice

With so many workers today feeling like a ‘cog in a wheel’ – stuck in dull, dead-end office jobs they don’t enjoy – it’s not hard to see why plumbing, gas and electrical careers continue to prove so attractive to Service leavers. If you like the idea of a profession that offers a better lifestyle, a profitable, stable future, and the opportunity to be your own boss, becoming a plumber and gas engineer or electrician could be the perfect career choice for you.

A career that offers flexibility, financial rewards – and the chance to be your own boss

OLCI Construction Training is the UK’s only nationwide construction training provider, with years of experience training ex-Service people for successful civilian careers. Their Director of Training Max Faulkner gave us his insight into why plumbing, gas and electrical careers are so popular with ex-Forces personnel:

“They offer security and financial freedom – qualified tradespeople provide an essential service and will always be in demand. And with the UK moving into a ‘green’ economy, new opportunities are opening up. There’s also the fact the work is so varied, interesting and hands-on; if you’ve had a military career it’s unlikely you’ll enjoy paper shuffling or being stuck in front of a PC all day. Finally, while there’s the option of working for a company, many ex-Service people dream of setting up their own business. With the right skills and qualifications, as a plumber and gas engineer or electrician, it’s a dream you can actually make happen.”

The benefits of learning with a specialist resettlement training provider

The best way into the industry is to gain recognised qualifications – but combining training with your military and other commitments can be challenging. A good solution is to look for a specialist resettlement training provider that understands the needs of Service leavers, and provides the support, advice and flexibility to make the transition to Civvy Street as easy as possible. For example, OLCI, one of the UK’s leading specialist resettlement training providers, offers:

Flexible plumbing, gas and electrical courses
Theory training you can learn where and when you want eg you can start your theory while abroad
13 state-of-the-art centres around the UK – so you can do your practical training locally instead of travelling long distances. Choose from a range of dates & times to suit you
Small groups and professional, supportive, friendly tutors, with both teaching & industry experience
Training that prepares you for industry recognised qualifications, inc. City & Guilds, EAL, Gas Safe Register, Logic and BPEC
No waiting lists /term times – you can start as soon as you enrol
Accommodation whilst you train can be arranged for you
Post-training support to help you set up your own business or gain employment
ELC funding available for Level 3 courses and above
Preferred training provider to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

Your next step

OLCI are happy to advise Service leavers who are interested in a plumbing/gas or electrical career. They offer a free guide ‘Choosing the right training provider for you’ and have expert Career Advisors who can give free career guidance, explain the qualifications you need and answer your questions. To speak to a Career Advisor or for your free copy of the guide, call OLCI on Freephone 0800 093 2590 or

020 7430 8405.

See the advertisement on page 5

Simon Weston to kick-start ‘Forgotten Heroes Bursary Scheme’ with Trade Skills 4U

Alongside its exciting Renewable Energy Centre open day on 17 June, Trade Skills 4U will be launching its ‘Forgotten Heroes Bursary Scheme’. The scheme was introduced by the company’s managing director Carl Bennett, who having watched the recent BBC documentary Forgotten Heroes with Col Tim Collins, and felt inspired to do something practical to help.

‘We will be offering one space at any one time completely free of charge to ex-Service personnel that are struggling to find their feet following their discharge from the Armed Forces,’ says Carl. The first free training place will be awarded at the event in June and presented by Simon Weston OBE, a national hero who was injured while serving during the Falklands conflict.

This genuine offer comes direct from Carl, who understands at first hand the difficulty of making a career change in the face of adversity. After 22 years in the MET police, serving with the SO19 specialist firearms department, he was forced to retire due to serious illness. Having managed to transform his career with no support, he has created this scheme to do what he can to help others in the same sort of difficult position.

‘We are not a huge company and can’t offer free training to everyone that is eligible so we have to carefully select and prioritise those able to take the training, based on need. However this scheme will allow us to do our bit for those who have given what we can never repay. It is also very important that business people like me do their bit to help our heroes,’ he concludes.

To be considered for the bursary scheme, call 01293 529777, but ideally fill in the application form at www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/ pages/free-training

See the advertisement on page 54

Want to be in the vanguard of opportunities within the telecoms sector?

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 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 Faulkner, 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.

Is the training provider solid, established and reputable? Check out things like their accrediting bodies, the calibre of the companies they partner & student testimonials
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?
Do you have the flexibility to start when you want, or will you have to fit around term dates and waiting lists?
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 and BPEC.
Will you be trained by supportive tutors with both teaching & relevant industry experience?
What are the training centres & their facilities like – and does the training provider own and manage its centres?
What size are the groups for your practical training & what tutor support do you get when doing the theory?
Do you get post-training support for setting up a business or finding a job?
Do they offer specialist resettlement courses?
Are their courses approved for ELC funding?
Are they a preferred training provider to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)?
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.

See the advertisement on page 5 www.questonline.co.uk/may11

Tailored construction training from AbleSkills

Able Skills Ltd is both CTP and ELCAS approved.

For more information or to book a course please call 0808 100 3245

See the advertisement on page 36.

Published January 2011

A new career in renewables?

Whether or not you believe in global warming, and the debate rages, you cannot ignore the messages: they’re loud and clear. In direct response to the increasingly loud noise its customers are making about renewables, Steve Willis Training has added solar PV courses to an already extensive training programme of building services engineering courses, and they provide a very important career progression route for electricians, gas engineers and plumbers.

Steve Willis Training has been delivering successful new career electrical and gas courses to Service leavers for over four years, and the renewables industry provides an excellent ‘next step’ pathway for those looking to further their skills and knowledge. The comprehensive electrical and gas training programmes are delivered from Steve Willis Training’s Portsmouth centre. With further expansion taking place early in 2011, there are now even more course dates for Service leavers to choose from – and, as it’s an ELCAS-registered company, Service leavers can use their ELC funding towards the cost of its training programmes.

Adam Dodson, Technical Director at Steve Willis Training, says, ‘Consumer demand is driving the renewable energy industry forward, and engineers must have the skills and knowledge to meet this demand and the inevitable lifestyle choices facing us all. Solar PV training is just the first of many renewable training opportunities we have planned as we move through 2011.’
For more information please contact Training Advisers on 01444 870860 or 02392 190190.

See the advertisement on page 37.

Published January 2011

The new generation of green engineers

The south-east of England has just received its latest addition: a state-of-the-art training facility, focusing on green energy. Able Skills Ltd is one of the UK’s premier green technology centres. With partners such as Mitsubishi UK, Polypipe, Domus and Heating Plumbing Supplies, Able Skills has developed a customer cycle offering nationally accredited qualifications and routes to market with support networks for installers of green technology.

The new centre, based in Dartford, is the flagship of the company’s facilities and has been developed over the past six months with investment in all the latest green technologies.

Those looking to retrain from the Armed Services are able to use their enhanced learning credits (ELC) towards the renewables courses, via the plumbing or electrical routes.
Head of Renewables Jed Smith states: ‘Able Skills sees its business as service provision, not just a training centre. We value the customer cycle and believe continued growth in green technologies must be supported.’

This area has seen steady growth, even in times of recession. Now with commitment from the government in the shape of the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) scheme, the future of green energy is starting to realise its potential. Able Skills provides the knowledge, facilities and expertise to ensure that the UK has the necessary infrastructure to maintain its growth, giving ex-Service men and women a route in to employment or business start-up.

For more information or to book a course please call 0808 100 3245.

See the advertisement on page 41.

Published December 2010

Inside story: careers in plumbing, gas or electrical

Taking the next step on your career path can provide you with many exciting opportunities. To help make the choice that’s right for you, we’re taking a closer look at two popular choices: plumber and gas engineer, and fully qualified electrician.

Practical careers that can be both flexible and lucrative

You could set up and run your own business, choosing when you work and what you earn. Or, by working for a company, you could find yourself in a team surrounded by like-minded individuals.

Work can be varied and interesting. One day you could be fitting a bathroom or installing electrical equipment, the next you might be fixing plumbing or electrics in a home or office.

Getting the skills

The best way to get on in the industry is by gaining a recognised qualification. You can do this by choosing a well-established and professional training provider. Here’s our checklist for choosing the right one …

Do they provide flexible courses so you can start when you want?
Can you learn when and where you want?
Do they have a practical training centre near you?
Will you be trained by professional, supportive and friendly tutors?
Can you train to achieve industry-recognised qualifications?
Do you receive support for setting up a business or finding a job?
Are their courses approved for ELC funding?
Are they a preferred training provider to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)?

Our recommendation

OLCI Construction Training can meet all the criteria above. It is one of the UK’s leading construction training providers, so has the experience and skill to train you to become a plumber and gas engineer or an electrician.

To discuss your future, simply call OLCI on Freephone 0800 058 2848.

See the advertisement on page 5.

Published September 2010

Mike Shepherd makes a career change

Mike Shepherd, 46, from Llanelli spent 28 years in the Armed Forces and travelled around the world before realising that he wanted a career change of scenery and a new challenge. ‘I joined the Royal Navy at 16 and, after reaching my resettlement age, I found myself working in an office and carrying out tasks that didn’t offer any mental stimulation. When considering the possibilities open to me after leaving the Forces I decided that a trade could offer financial security and a challenge too.’

He enrolled on a part time plumbing NVQ over a seven-year period whilst still serving before starting a gas engineering course at BST, now the Connaught Academy (see the advertisement on page 35). He then gained a work placement with their parent company, Connaught Plc, as part of the course. Upon completing the course he was offered a permanent position and started his new career just two days after leaving the Navy.

As a qualified plumber and gas engineer his role includes installing and maintaining boilers in social housing properties throughout Pembrokeshire. He found the training a struggle at times but doesn’t regret taking the step later in life. ‘I love every aspect of my job and the fact that it is so hands on and practical. Because of the different training courses I’ve undertaken I am equipped to carry out a number of different tasks and enjoy the variety and no two days being the same.’

Building - Gas Installation - Despatches

Quality training and assessment for gas engineers – from the experts

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

Trade Skills 4U teams up with Royal British Legion to help retrain ex-Forces personnel

Secure your new career: train with the professionals

Tailored construction training from AbleSkills

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

Plumbing, gas and electrical careers: why a ‘traditional’ trade can prove a great career choice

Simon Weston to kick-start ‘Forgotten Heroes Bursary Scheme’ with Trade Skills 4U

Want to be in the vanguard of opportunities within the telecoms sector?

Tailored construction training from AbleSkills

A new career in renewables?

The new generation of green engineers

Inside story: careers in plumbing, gas or electrical

Mike Shepherd makes a career change