Vassy

Hi, I have been working in the telecomms industry for the past 5 yrs as a contractor and am looking to widen my horizons so to speak. I was wondering if anyone has heard of OCLI construction training? They are offering me a course that gives me, at the end:
C&G level 2 (2330),
C&G level 3 (2330),
17th edition IEE wiring regulations C&G 2382-10,
Inspection & testing C&G 2391,
Applicable building regs (part P),
level 3 Certificate for in service inspections and testing of electrical equiptment- portable appliance testing (C&G 2377)
EAL level 2 certificate for domestic electrical installers.

They offer this as a study at home course where visit training centres for practical work when can. The course costs £5500. What i want to know is will i be fully qualified to work as an electrician, either on pay roll or self employed and are the qualifications the right ones. I've heard about people doing this kind of course and employers not recognising the qualification. £5500 is a lot to spend if going to be a waste.

Any help is welcome.
Thanks

tony.towa

Looks a pretty comprehensive list to me covering what you need to know.

Don't know what the costing is like but I reckon Shakey will be able to put you 100% right when he has had a look. He has a wealth of knowledge on training and technical aspects.

Welcome to the forum. Don't forget to put an entry in the New Member's Introductions section

Shakey

it looks like you are getting more than you actually are:

the 'applicable building regs part p' is not a seperate qual, it is unit one out of the EAL course!

And 2377, are you getting both parts? Lots of places offer it, but only give you part 2 which is useless by itself

We dont offer the 2391 'straight off' to people starting from scratch, it is nearly always to much for them, we get them through the 2392 first, then they do the 2391 when they have got a bit more experience

good luck anyway!

Vassy

Thanks for your help so far guys, It does say you get both parts to the 2377. The literature i have says the course is built in 3 steps..

Step 1 repares you for the C&G 2330 Electrotechnical Technology Certificate level 2.

Step 2: prepares you for the C&G 2330 Electrotechnical Technology Certificate level 3.

Step 3: Gain NVQ while working on site.

Did choose the course because work away from home a lot so have to train to fit round my life at the moment. They start with the basics and move you on the the higher courses as progress.

niggy

I am new to this site and in exactly the same position as you, Vassey, wanting to expand but nervous of doing the wrong course. So far I have only found one major criticism of OCLI and I was recommended to them by Learn Direct who were very helpful on the subject. I am happy to pay what it costs but cannot afford to get it wrong. I will keep you informed of anything I discover and would be grateful for any advice. You do seem like a helpful and supportive group, thanks.

Vassy

Sounds like we are in the same boat Niggy. Dont mind the cost if is fair and am paying for what i need. I am expecting a call from OLCI soon and have a few questions ready, will let you knkw how it goes. I'm new her too and finding this site very helpfull too....Thought good people were few and far between these days, Glad proved wrong

P.S. what was your one major criticism of OCLI by the way?

niggy

Halo again. To answer your question, my son found a site a bit like watchdog where they investigate your problems with goods and services and someone had approached them about OCLI. he was training as a plumber and found that the course he was expecting to do was cancelled due to their being too few attendees. He pushed them for his money back and eventually, with help, he got a refund. So, it is not a huge criticism of them and I have seen mixed comments elsewhere although generally not bad. It is a lot of money though and I feel their approach is a little bit pushy and 'salesman' like which makes me nervous. Rather than a straight answer it tends to be a bit ' everything will be fine, dont worry about it'. I asked how often they run course at the nearest centre and was told they would send out a scheduel when I signed up - why not just tell me now so I know. I am in a hurry to get this training and do not want to find I cannot do the next step because there is no classroom time availble or whatever. Anyway I am going to do a bit more research this afternoon and will keep you informed. Cheers, Nig

Vassy

HI, I am in your exact position, well sound very much the same. Do foind them pushy and more salesmen like. have been looking at a side and input my details, they ring you back...not done yet but supposed to. the site is The Skills Centre | Electrical if your interested in looking.

Thanks
Vass

chris34947

Hi Niggy,

I think I have agreed to sign up for the same course as you at the Skills Centre, have you had any further feedback on the course and the actual outcome at the end?

Thanks

Chris

Vassy

Hi Chris and niggy.I wrang to see about prices and qualifications gained with the skills Centre and they just made an oppointment for a rep to come and see me at home. On the day of the appointment the rep wrang me to say he is running late and is that ok. I said yes but explained all i was after to day is qualifications gained and price of courses. He then seemed to loose interest and said the prices are £5250 for basic electrian training and £6950 for the full one that allows you to plan wireing routes for new builds and reworks ???. Didnt bother coming for the appointment as wasnt signing up today and could claw back some time to put him on track for rest of day.

Wasnt impressed by his attitude once learnt that i just wanted info to compare with OLCI. Let me know how you found the skills Centre towards you plz and how the course is going chris, looking to sign up next week for one....just not sure which one yet.