I've been meaning to write this review since my very first week at Able Skills, and feel a bit…read moreguilty about not doing it sooner, as I have always been very pleased with the high calibre of training and professionalism of all at Able Skills throughout. I embarked on the 'Gold Card' electrical package including the important 2330 and 2356 qualifications just before it became a Diploma. I finished my 2356 NVQ in October, though that was down to me not doing it sooner. Clive my NVQ Assessor processed it very quickly as soon as I handed it in, though he had been checking and guiding my collection of evidence, photos and written work through out.
Right from the very start I knew I'd made the right choice for me of where and how to study - classroom based, and especially in terms of the advice they gave me on qualification pathway. When I was looking around about getting qualified as a spark there are a lot of companies out there selling different packages, its easy to get confused and pay a lot of money for a package of just the smaller qualifications by distance learning thinking you have got the same as being fully qualified and not getting good value for money either.
The excellent good value clean self catering accommodation that Able Skills provides too also helped me choose them. The way the course was structured also meant I was able to keep working enough shifts to earn a reasonable living.
I had the same teacher through all (except for one week) of my level 2 and 3 and 17th Ed. , building regs quals etc. There was a lot of snow over the winter I did my training, but my teacher was always there, and Able skills was always open what ever the weather. All the teachers and instructors (Including Steve the technician) were always friendly and enthusiastic, often giving their own time at break times, even if they weren't my actual teacher at the time, whether it to be explain some theory or go through something practical in the 'bays' downstairs. Even one of the plumbing teachers gave me some great advice about a problem I had with my boiler!
Although I had done some data cabling work about 10 years prior, the electrical training was a career change for me from nursing/care work. Though the theory and practical was so well taught to such a high standard that I personally was able to learn enough to start doing some minor installation work (including new circuits) by my self as I was finishing off level 2. Though I did make sure I took out my own insurance and buy a calibrated multifunction tester so I could test my work and could then issue proper test certificates. We were taught to do things properly and be cautious throughout. We were also taught good theory to enable us to apply it and understand our installation work.
I did my 2391 Inspection and Testing quite soon after I finished level 3. I was going to wait a while, but due to the fact that a lot of the regulations and theory (and safe procedures) were fresh in my mind (and we had a very good teacher) this helped me pass the difficult theory exam first time. I think they have now changed the 2391 qualification into two parts to make it easier.
I guess what I am trying to say is that for me it was well worth doing the testing and inspecting qualification, it has certainly helped keep me employed in interesting work and with more responsibility and even when I have worked on large projects I've been the one doing the testing and inspection / commissioning above others that have many more years experience, but not a 'test and inspect' qualification.
So far I have really enjoyed my work, for me it has all been sub contracting, but usually direct rather than through an agency, it just seems to have turned out his way and this has also given me the opportunity to squeeze in some of my own work (this is when I have used what I have learnt in training the most) and I haven't been out of work yet. On whole I have always got on well and had a (sensible) laugh with all the people I have worked with, and always made sure I learnt from / picked up a little knowledge from everyone, be they another sparky, supervisor, BMS engineer, contracts manager, designer/consultant or company director. So far I've worked on retail shops (small and very large stores),major airports, a Ministry of Defence project, a new 'recycling' power station, and done some local Council House rewires ('house bashing') too, making some good friendships along the way.
I guess though the main reason I wanted to write this review though was after my initial experience of going through the minefield of available courses and training providers, and hard sell of unsuitable expensive options (one dodgy company even sent someone round my house!)...
... is to choose your course(s) and training provider carefully. I'm glad I did!
PS I forgot to mention I passed my AM2 at Dartford too!
