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.

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 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.

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.

David Bill, Lieutenant General, tells Quest about his experiences of the Builder Training Centre in Croydon, Surrey …

‘I could not have been more satisfied with my time at the Builder Training Centre. I have completed a wide range of courses, including bricklaying, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, plastering, kitchen fitting and electrical foundation. I have seen most of the instructors in action and made use of many of the training facilities on offer. All the instructors were most impressive – engaged, dedicated, patient and hugely knowledgeable. Equally, the facilities and the materials provided are first class. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the BTC to those who either wished significantly to improve their DIY skills and knowledge or those embarking on the first steps to a change of career. Meanwhile the administration of the centre is first class – approachable, efficient and proactive. I was also delighted with the accommodation provided – a delightfully friendly family atmosphere. Nothing was too much trouble.’

For further information call 0800 389 2775 or email info@thebtc.co.uk.

See the advertisement on page 28.

Achieve accredited certification in your chosen construction trade

At Construction Skills College we offer CTP- and ELCAS-approved training courses in plumbing, plastering, wall and floor tiling, carpentry, kitchen fitting, painting and decorating, electrical installations and business start-up.

Our courses are designed to train Service leavers with little or no previous experience of their chosen trade to achieve accredited certification. We ensure that you accomplish this by employing trade qualified and experienced staff, keeping class sizes small, providing excellent facilities and giving you as much support as you need before, during and after completing your training.

We appreciate that it is still a big step from completing training within a training centre to completing work in the ‘real world’. To help you take this step we provide you with full support by telephone and email, so if you have any questions then a tutor is only a call away. We also have a number of courses that consist of training within a domestic property.

We are committed to successfully helping learners to re-train, and we regularly review feedback from attendees and employers to ensure that we continue to offer quality training courses.

I would like to congratulate the college on such a fantastic course and on the extremely high standard of instructors that it employs. I will return to do more courses in the near future. I would recommend this course to other ex-Service men and women.

Plumbing course attendee, July 2011

We have two training centres, one in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and one in Wolverhampton, West Midlands. Both are close to train stations and have good-quality hotels nearby.

If you require any further information please contact the centre on 01782 837007 or via email at enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk, or visit www.tradeteacher.co.uk.

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

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

Train as a plumber and gas engineer … or electrician

With so many career choices available, we give you an insider view on two popular choices – a plumber and gas engineer, and a fully qualified electrician – finding out why they’re so popular and how easy it is for you to benefit too.

The opportunities available
People will always need their plumbing or electrics fixed, bathrooms fitted or electrical equipment installed. A career as a plumber and gas engineer or an electrician can prove both flexible and lucrative. Plus, you have the opportunity to do something practical. If you decide to set up and run your own business, you could choose when you work and what you earn. Or, if you decide to work for a company, you could find yourself in a team surrounded by likeminded individuals – being out, working together and making things happen.

Gaining the skills
Choosing a training provider to give you the skills you need can be tricky. To help you choose the most appropriate, go through the following list and consider how each one might help you during your training.

Do they provide flexible courses?
Can you learn when and where you want?
Do they have practical training centres near you?
Will you be trained by professional, supportive and friendly tutors?
Can you train to achieve industryrecognised qualifications?
Do you have waiting lists or can you start when you enrol?
Do you receive support to help you set up a business or gain employment?
Are their courses approved for ELC funding?
Are they a preferred training provider to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)?

As one of the UK’s leading construction training providers, OLCI Construction Training can meet all the above criteria. You can enrol on an OLCI course to become a plumber and gas engineer, or an electrician.

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

Published April 2010

Service leaver prepares for a lucrative future on civvy street

Becoming a qualified plumber, electrician or gas engineer offers members of the Services the opportunity to build a successful, profitable and secure career working for a company, or even running their own business. And, as Service leaver Paul Moore discovered, there are courses available that make it easy to fit the training needed around military or other commitments.

A fulltime army career meant Paul Moore needed a plumbing course with total flexibility Paul Moore, 35, was an office manager for the Armed Forces Careers Office in Chichester. He saw that plumbing could provide him with a lucrative career for the future. However, the demands of his Army career meant he needed a course where he could study at his own time and pace.

After searching the internet Paul found the fully accredited OLCI plumbing course, which allows him to study his theory when and where he wants, and offers 13 UK centres where he can book practical sessions when it suits him.

‘Resettlement is all about providing total support’ OLCI is the UK’s largest construction training provider and has years of experience in helping people build new careers. Max Mortimer of OLCI comments: ‘We’ve found what Service leavers really like is total support. So, first, we make it easy to get the right qualifications with flexible training, but we also offer job or business setup support – matching our students with suitable vacancies through our industry contacts and helping them with CVs, job interviews and contacts, or giving them business help like getting customers and doing their books.’

So if you’re considering your future beyond your Forces career, becoming a plumber, electcian or gas engineer offers some exciting opportunities – and you can start training right now!

Call OLCI Construction Training’s career advisers on Freephone: 0800 058 2848.

Published March 2010

New career provides stability for ex-RAF movements controller, Darren Binns

A former RAF movements controller has found a stable career since his resettlement, by retraining as a plumber. Darren Binns, 34, decided to leave the RAF after more than five years of active service, but at first found it hard to adjust to civilian life, saying ‘It was very hard. If you hear something like a car backfiring you panic, but you have to realise that you’re back home and you’re safe. Also, it was hard going from being with the same people 24/7 to being away from them and alone in the house – that’s a big change. You do miss all your mates and the camaraderie.’

However, Darren has found that retraining to become a plumber has given him some stability and focus since leaving the Forces. He came across a company called New Career Skills – a specialist training provider that, having realised there was a shortage of skilled professionals in the construction industry, retrains mature career-changers as electricians, plumbers and professional property marketers – and decided to go for it.

Darren says, ‘The New Career Skills course was really good for location and package; it was perfect for me. I’ve always liked doing DIY, and plumbing is something that interests me – I like the idea of going into homes and meeting different people rather than going to the same place and seeing the same faces every day.’ He is due to complete his course shortly and hopes to work for a plumbing company before setting up his own firm in a few years’ time.

New Career Skills works closely with industry to ensure that its training programmes offer the most up-to-date and relevant skills possible. Learning is flexible and convenient, in order to fit around busy lives. All programmes comprise blended learning, mixing practical hands-on work and theory, and students are given the fullest possible support, which continues after course completion, with advice and support on setting up a business, work placements and finding employment included.

For more information on New Career Skills, visit www.newcareerskills.co.uk or

call freephone 0800 037 99 22.

Take your current skills into a new career as a plumber, electrician or gas engineer

Ex-forces people often possess vital skills that can help them become a qualified plumber, electrician or gas engineer. A quick took at yourself will show yow ho many of these skills who already possess, and a longer look at training providers will surely find one or two who meet your requirements over such issues as qualifications, timings, future employment possibilities, and how to get funding.

Every 35 minutes someone needs to join either the UK plumbing (including heating, ventilation and air conditioning skills) or electrical industry just to keep up with demand. And, although there is much media speculation about the future of some construction schemes at present, there is desperate need of them in many parts of the country.

The sector wants people who get things done and work through difficult circumstances. It looks for sole traders just as much as employees for industry giants. Work is varied and interesting and it is usually up to the individual to decide their own balance between work and the rest of their lives.

With 13 fully-equipped training centres nationwide, OLCI have been offering industry recognised qualifications including City & Guilds, EAL and NVQ for some time. They point out that ELC can be used on such courses as Plumbing 6089 NVQ Level 3 and Electrical 2356 NVQ Level 3

For more information phone 0800 048 2848 or see the advertisement on page 5.

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