Where can I do C&G training ?

[thevinnyofoz]

Hello

Here I am again asking questions about training to be a tiler.

I live on the Leeds side of Wakefield, post code WF5 and im 30, ive decided not to do the college route of training as I mostly hear that the training is total rubbish and a waste of 2 years and nearly 2k.

Ive also decided not to go the short course route because they dont give the NVQ 1/2 ( unless you´re already working as a tiler, which I am not ) or city and guilds qualification.

So im wanting to know where I can do a full City and Guilds course in my own time and at my own expence, this in my opinion is the best way forward seeing as I dont work in the trade already and im 30.

Id also like to hear your own opinions on this.

Cheers

 

[UKTT Darren]

Hi Mate
If you need to get out there and make money straight away, we have a proven track record of people on here that have done just that. You will only need an NVQ if you are intending to go on a building site, even if you go on a 4-6 week course you would still have to be assessed out on site in your own business to gain the NVQ. trouble is you wouldnt last 2 minuits on a site with that kind of experiance behind you as you would be too slow at the job, doesnt matter how good a tiler you are on a site, if your too slow, then your off. Learn how to tile then take your time in domestic market, build up your speed and confidence then go for your NVQ assessment later on when you are ready for it

Regards
Darren

 

[Danny@ Diamond]

Hi thevinyofoz,

I would agree with Darren that the NVQ L2 is only necessary if you are intending to go down the site based route, although it will also be an added selling point to potential customers when quoting to win work in the domestic market also.

As for being to slow, the majority of site based work is price work per square metre so depending on how fast you are will determine how much you will take home at the end of the week.

I would say a realistic figure when starting on site after completing a longer course would be around 10 square metres per day ( depending what type of tile you was fixing ) the above is based on 150x150 ceramics.

Whichever route you decide to go down the correct training and business skills are fundamental to succeed in your new trade.

Visit as many different centres as possible and make sure you are comfortable with the facilities and tutors before making a decision.

Good luck and all the best

 

[thevinnyofoz]

I agree with you both, I want to get the skills before the trade picks up again, but how long a course should I do ? and is experience alone enough to get set on by a company ( without C&G / NVQ ) ?

Im not wanting to set up on my own, id prefer to work for someone first if im to give my full time job when the time comes.

 

[Danny@ Diamond]

I agree with you both, I want to get the skills before the trade picks up again, but how long a course should I do ? and is experience alone enough to get set on by a company ( without C&G / NVQ ) ?

Im not wanting to set up on my own, id prefer to work for someone first if im to give my full time job when the time comes.

If you are looking to work direct for a company then in my opinion NVQ is the way to go.

We are able to deliver this Qualification and you will be taught by a Qualified A1 Assessor / Tutor whilst on the course.

All the best

 

[UKTT Darren]

There is no way a company will take you on, thats the reality, first reason is that your new, why would they when they could employ someone experienced and second as said before you will be too slow, i wouldnt take you on to do 10 metres a day and pay you a wage when someone experienced would do 15 - 20 metres for the same wage.
Self employed is the only way to go

 

[Danny@ Diamond]

That's wrong of you to discourage a new tiler to the industry like that.

There is no reason why a company would not take on a new tiler as I said the majority of the
Work is on a price per metre so the company only pay for what you do.

Everyone has to start somewhere and they don't all start in the domestic market.

Good luck thevinyofoz

 

[thevinnyofoz]

I understand your view NETT Darren but it seems a bit of a joke if someone wants to change career but has to go pay the best part of a grand plus on a few weeks course then go self employed and try and make it pay. Where is the support ?!

Not easy for those of us wanting a change but find ourself over 25 with bills ect.

Taking 6 weeks off work and spending 2,500k on a C&G course is also a lot to ask seeing that this qualification is worth nothing in 2010 regarding site work. Im anoyed that to get a NVQ 2 in my hand I first need to get a job as a bloody tiler to then get the NVQ 2 to then get set on in the first place !

Self employed I agree is the best way as you get out what you put in without this merrygoround effect.

 

[thevinnyofoz]

Am I right in saying that if I was to become a Sole Trader then work in my spare time as a self employed tiler ( after a intensive course ), that I would be able to work towards an NVQ 2 ? How would this work ?

Im real sorry I rant on so much its just that when I go for this change I will go full steam, I have no time for messing about, this is something I want doing right first time.

 

[Danny@ Diamond]

Hi thevinyofoz,

You are right City & Guilds will not be recognized, which is why we award NVQ L2 & L3.

It is not a requirement that you are either Employed or Self Employed as a tiler to obtain your NVQ Level 2 .

There are 5 Mandatory units that you will have to prove competence in, by competent I mean each time you perform a task it must result in the same standard each time.

After a 4 - 6 week course the majority of students will have the required underpinning knowledge and skills to achieve this, although we advise getting a few jobs under your belt before you undertake the on-site assessor visits.

The assessment visits do not have to be undertaken on site, they can be in domestic properties i.e friends and family even your own home they just cant be done in a simulated environment.

The process usually involves 3 to 4 visits, each time the assessor arranges to visit he will give you actions that will need to be completed before the next, this will be gathering evidence / reference etc. He will also give feedback on how you progress is going and when he expects the award to be achieved by.

There is a 10 week rule on the qualification, which means it cant be completed before this time.

The process is very simple and the units believe it or not are very basic, the Level 2 is a basic industry standard.

If you need to speak with me direct about any questions you may have please feel free to call me for advise on 01903 739 407, I will be back in the office on Thursday.

Good luck and all the best. don't let this get you down its a process that everyone working in the commercial sector will eventually have to go through.