Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I am a complete beginner and want to learn new skills, are your courses suitable for me?
A. YES, we have complete training programmes and individual courses in gas, electrics and oil which are all suited to new entrants and offer a recognised training route into the chosen industry. We start with the basics and follow a structured learning plan to provide you with the necessary technical and practical knowledge.
Q. I’ve got some qualifications already, but I’m not sure if they are relevant, can you help me?
A. YES, email or send copies of your certificates to our Burgess Hill Centre and we will assess the relevance of these against your training programme. Some Qualifications will count towards APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) meaning that you may complete a shorter training programme or work based learning period.
Q. I have been working as a Plumber for the last 5 years but don’t have any formal qualifications, will this work experience help me achieve domestic gas qualifications?
A. YES, proven periods of work experience in a related or similar industry may count towards APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) meaning that you may complete a shorter training programme or work based learning period.
Q. Why would I come to your Centre in preference to another?
A. Because we provide quality, focused training in our modern well equipped Centres and our trainers have wide ranging industry experience and knowledge. We also ‘go the extra mile’ so you are fully supported during training and prepared for exams and assessments.
Q. I’m confused by the range of available qualifications, what do I need?
A. Contact our Training Advisers on 01444 870860 - they will guide you through the training programmes so you get what you need to maximise your employment options.
Q. Money is a bit tight at the moment, how can I pay for my training courses?
A. We can arrange for you to pay for your courses in manageable interest free instalments. Call our Training Advisers to see how we can help.
Q. I want to self certify my own domestic electrical work, what qualifications do I need?
A. You need to do a course which covers the Building Regulations for Part P. We offer two courses which cover this, one is the Domestic Installers Scheme Qualification which is suitable for candidates who wish to do electrical work as part of their other related trade (e.g. building, gas, kitchen fitting), the other is the City & Guilds 2393-10 which is suitable for qualified electricians. It will be necessary to join a recognised registration body after the courses in order to sign off your work.
Q. I have my 16th Edition wiring regulations can I do the 17th Edition 1 day Update course instead of the 3 day full course?
A. This depends on when you did your 16th Edition. The general guidelines are that if you did a City & Guilds 2381, 2330-07, 2330-08 (after June 2001) or Level 3 2360 (after January 2004) qualification and are able to provide us with a copy of your certificate then you will be able to do the update exam, if you did a 2380 or other 16th Edition exam then you will have to do the full exam. This information is not always easy to find on your certificates, so if you’re not sure please email or fax your certificates to us, or pop into the office with them and we’ll check and advise you accordingly.
Q. Do I need to renew my Unvented Hot Water qualification?
A. In order to continue to work in compliance with Building Regulation G3 engineers must renew their registration before it expires, and a new Re-assessment option has recently been introduced for those engineers renewing their certification. So if you hold a ConstructionSkills certificate undertaken before 1 April 2007, you can calculate your expiry date as follows:
- If your certification is before 31 July 2002, then it will have already expired (31 July 2008);
- If your registration is between 1 August 2002 and 31 March 2007, add six years to your initial certification date – this will be your expiry date;
- From 1 April 2007 all individuals have been issued with the new scheme cards that expire after five years.
Q. I am interested in doing an Apprenticeship, how do I choose between Plumbing and Gas?
A. The Gas Apprenticeship Scheme, offered at our Burgess Hill Centre, leads to a Level 3 qualification and will provide you with significant employment benefits over completing a Level 2 Plumbing Scheme - you should not think that gas and plumbing are the same as they are very different industries and in general Gas Employers will be looking for employees with a Level 3 Gas Qualification. We are the only Centre in the South East to offer this Scheme and have gained an excellent reputation for our quality training. consequently end up on the wrong course which does not meet their expectations. Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship you would be able to obtain Gas Safe Registration (previously CORGI). Click this link to find out more: xxx or call 01444 870860.
Q. My son/daughter wants to do a Gas Apprenticeship, how can we find out more?
A. We hold informal monthly information sessions from March to September during which you can find out more about us and we can assess whether the Apprenticeship is suitable for his/her needs and ability. Click this link for more information: xxx or call 01444 870860.
