6128 or 6129?

[FrankHeraty]

Hello there

Like so many other old duffers (I'm 40) I'm thinking about changing my career direction and am considering re-training to become a plumber. I wondered if anyone could advise whether the 6128 or 6129 would be the better option. I know that 6129 is a basic plumbing course whereas 6128 is directed more towards heating and ventilation.

Because of my age and current committments I can't really afford to take the long college/apprentice route to get me started so I'm considering a so-called "fast track" course which means I can run it alongside my current work.

I've spoken with both sales people from OLCI and Newcareerskills and know that either of the courses mentioned above are theoretical/colleg-based only, meaning that I would need a NVQ2/work based assessment to actually be classed as a plumber.

From what I've gathered the 6128 also includes practicals such as fitting a bathroom suite, installation of radiators and general plumbing services, so I thought that this would be more of diverse course and is the one I'm leaning towards. But I would certainly place more of a value on the advice from people on this forum as opposed to the sharp suited bloke who sat on my couch for around three hours the other day.

Also, with regards to the two training providers does anyone have good/bad feedback about the courses I'm considering? I've read some feedback already but these generally seem to be from around 1 year ago.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Frank

 

[hiretools]

Hello there

Like so many other old duffers (I'm 40) I'm thinking about changing my career direction and am considering re-training to become a plumber. I wondered if anyone could advise whether the 6128 or 6129 would be the better option. I know that 6129 is a basic plumbing course whereas 6128 is directed more towards heating and ventilation.

Because of my age and current committments I can't really afford to take the long college/apprentice route to get me started so I'm considering a so-called "fast track" course which means I can run it alongside my current work.

I've spoken with both sales people from OLCI and Newcareerskills and know that either of the courses mentioned above are theoretical/colleg-based only, meaning that I would need a NVQ2/work based assessment to actually be classed as a plumber.

From what I've gathered the 6128 also includes practicals such as fitting a bathroom suite, installation of radiators and general plumbing services, so I thought that this would be more of diverse course and is the one I'm leaning towards. But I would certainly place more of a value on the advice from people on this forum as opposed to the sharp suited bloke who sat on my couch for around three hours the other day.

Also, with regards to the two training providers does anyone have good/bad feedback about the courses I'm considering? I've read some feedback already but these generally seem to be from around 1 year ago.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Frank

Hello Frank the 6129 and 6128 are basically the same only difference is the sheet lead weathering which without the lead u aint a plumber u r a heating installation engineer the choice as they say is yours e personally just finished my 6129 but i was the only 1 who liked the lead so like i said its up to u hope this helps. Hiretools

 

[kingm1988]

Hi Frank.

I was in your very position this time last year, in fact I wouldn't be suprised if some of the posts you read were started by me.

So yeh, as you know, it's the NVQ that will give you 'plumber' status, and not the 6128/6129.

The 6128 is practically identical to the 6129, bar the fact that it doesn't include Lead. Any NVQ assessor will tell you that they don't require you to do anything with lead to gain the qualification. Hence the 6128 is just as suited to you becoming a plumber as the 6129.

I currently do the 6129 with OLCI, and am due to complete this by next month. Um, what can I tell you about this place? It's ok, I found my self, among others too, with nothing to do on the 3rd or 4th day of the workshops. Everything they teach you can be taught at a much faster pace, and with more attention to detail. A couple of the instructors are incredible teachers (if you ever get Lee, cling on to him and get as much out of him as possible), others however.....morons. Arogant plumbers who have made good money in the past, they sit on their chairs, heads held high, chewing gum, belly hanging over their belt, faces like a slapped arse, huff and puff when you ask them a question, they have become the vein of my existence at that place...NOT very helpful at all.

OLCI, like many of these training providers, have completely overvalued the price of the course, so be prepared every now and then to cut up a few 3m copper tube's and put them in your bag for when you become a plumber . Basically, just get as much out of these people as possible, because by god, have they got everything out of you to pay for it! Alternatively, try negotiating part P, water regs, maybe even gas, to be included in the price. I read a post a while ago about some dude who got all of this and more for about 4k, how much of that is true I don't know, but there is certainly no harm in trying.

Good luck mate, if you've got any other questions then don't hesitate to ask.

 

[hiretools]

That was me my course costs were over 5k and i got the part L, water regs, and C/H design installation all in 3.5k Its better in your pocket than theres but i would not stoop to nicking cut up 3m copper pipes just in case they catch u can be rather embarrasing especially if you have 5 weeks still to go good luk m8 and negotiate the best you can, you wont know unless you try forget the part p unless your doing the gas the defined or full scope aint worth jack unless wiring a plug or motorised comes across

plus the 6129 tech cert as well .

Also if you are based in the midlands try React fast training in brum thats where i studied and they werre sweet as with me including all the trainers. Plus they are open to negotiation but be warned if your lookin to stay in digs tell them to shove it there is a guy who has a number in the canteen called happy full english sky t.v £25 per day

 

[FrankHeraty]

Lads

Thanks so much for your advice - much appreciated. It really is invaluable particularly from people who not so long ago were in the same situation as myself.

I suppose the best move I've made so far is getting on this forum

Cheers again

Frank

 

[newbie1]

think very carefully about this the industry is on its knees and experienced plumbers are still scratching for work so as a new entrant you are going to struggle to make anything near whats required to keep a familly
companies wont touch a fast tracker
selp employed start up costs incl course will be over 10k and thats a minimum

 

[Bernie2]

Got to agree with Newbie1

The industry does seem to be on its knees. It depends of course if your final intention is to work for companies or yourself.

Working for yourself on private work, experience does not matter, you can just go out and get work and build a portfolio from your jobs.

Working as an employee or sub contracting on sites, is a whole different game.

Somebody will probably be looking at your work who probably knows more about how it should be done than you do perhaps yourself. They will also want you to do it fast and within a price. And there seems to be plenty of competition for jobs.

So its your choice really. Working for a Plumbing company you would be expected to be able to do the whole range of a Plumbers job, including lead work. But you may find all the company do is central heating, but they might get a lead job in now and then and want to send you.

I once worked on a big lead job in Cheshire, decided to renew the lead dressers I used and then hardly ever used them again.

In point I think I still have them, but my being lazy and forgetful, they have probably split without regular oiling.

 

[Paul Cockhill]

Hi

I am an even older duffer than you (48), I have just completed the 6128 course with New Career Skills. They are a good company NCS but i felt we did not do enough practical and they should have spent more time showing us different systems and products. However we did fit a bathroom, some radiators, cold water storage system
and a hot water cylinder. I have ended up with the qualification, the water regs and unvented hot water storage system certificates. Part P defined scope is also included in their new package, but not in mine. The cost £4.5k, quite hefty. I realise I need to get a NVQ for the proper qualification

I tried contacting loads of plumbers for some practical experience but their was no interest. i have a brother who has a building company and I have done a few plumbing jobs for him which has been fantastic experience, however I have gone self-employed as getting a job with a plumbing company is very difficult without previous practical experience.

Working for yourself is quite scary but NCS are at the end of a phone line so have been very useful in that respect. However I have turned down a few jobs because I just do not have the experience to attempt them. I have dropped hundreds of fliers in the local neighbourhood and had quite a good response. It is also worth contacting letting firms as they are looking for people to do plumbing jobs and small maintenance work.

I think it will take me a year to make a reasonable return, so far I have done 4 months but I think there is work around, from friends family etc and their friends and families, so that is the best way to start.

Good luck

 

[newbie1]

i am sorry to say the training companies are still selling people the dream of a plumbing/gas career and taking 5k plus off them

one recent poster has done 10days gas and was asking about corgi work?? and subcontracting to british gas
after ten days a doubt he can solder a joint let alone subcontract and he has dreams of becoming a gas engineer
Its time these training companies were held to account and forced to give honest information to applicants i still see btsc advertising their courses with a promise or 40k a year
ask around on here how many experienced plumbers are earning 40k at the moment and yet they still come in their droves like lemmings jumping off the cliff

 

[FrankHeraty]

Hi

I am an even older duffer than you (48), I have just completed the 6128 course with New Career Skills. They are a good company NCS but i felt we did not do enough practical and they should have spent more time showing us different systems and products. However we did fit a bathroom, some radiators, cold water storage system
and a hot water cylinder. I have ended up with the qualification, the water regs and unvented hot water storage system certificates. Part P defined scope is also included in their new package, but not in mine. The cost £4.5k, quite hefty. I realise I need to get a NVQ for the proper qualification

I tried contacting loads of plumbers for some practical experience but their was no interest. i have a brother who has a building company and I have done a few plumbing jobs for him which has been fantastic experience, however I have gone self-employed as getting a job with a plumbing company is very difficult without previous practical experience.

Working for yourself is quite scary but NCS are at the end of a phone line so have been very useful in that respect. However I have turned down a few jobs because I just do not have the experience to attempt them. I have dropped hundreds of fliers in the local neighbourhood and had quite a good response. It is also worth contacting letting firms as they are looking for people to do plumbing jobs and small maintenance work.

I think it will take me a year to make a reasonable return, so far I have done 4 months but I think there is work around, from friends family etc and their friends and families, so that is the best way to start.

Good luck

Hi Paul

Thanks for the information as it was 6128 I seem to be favouring. So did NCS not get you any experience throught their contacts? They said that they would be searching for suitable placements for me while I was still on the course.

Cheers Frank

Hi Newbie1

Thanks for the honest advice. Much appreciated and taken on board.

I'm currently in a profession where redundancies have been rife over the last couple of years so it seems that everyone is in the same boat unfortunately. I guess people like myself are probably looking at a new profession (such as plumbing) with the view to falling back on their existing one if things don't work out. I agree that the £40k line is a bit rich ('scuse the pun) and I'm sure in reality I would not earn as much as I do now, but if I can earn a living and gain more job satisfaction than I currently do then I will be better for it.

It's a risk, and all a bit daunting really which is why it's good to see both sides of the argument.

Thanks again

Frank