Choosing a Training Centre

What to Consider When Choosing a Training Centre

• Visit the Centre: If possible, tour the training facility to inspect the setup, meet instructors, and talk to current students. Visit near the end of a course to see the quality of work produced and get honest feedback from students. They’ll share whether the course was valuable and worth the cost. If needed, ask to speak with students privately for candid insights.
• Review the Website: Does the centre’s website provide detailed course information, including clear pricing? Vague details or missing prices could indicate a high-pressure sales tactic to get you on a call.
• Scrutinize Online Content: Examine photos on the website, social media, or other platforms. Are the training bays spacious? Are real-world materials used, like copper and plastic piping, or just cheaper alternatives? Ensure the skills taught are practical and applicable to actual job scenarios.
• Be Cautious of Online Forums: Many forums are sponsored by training companies, which may suppress negative feedback or limit information about non-sponsoring centres. Cross-check information from multiple sources.
• Avoid Pushy Sales Tactics: Be wary if a centre insists on sending a “course advisor” to your home, especially if they require both you and your partner to be present. This often ties to high-interest payment plans. If you meet a representative, gather details but avoid signing anything immediately. Verify their claims later, as some companies may act as brokers rather than approved centres. Better still is not to let them in your house.
• Evaluate Practical Training: Ask about the amount of hands-on training included. Some centres pad courses with excessive classroom time to cut material costs. For example, a four-week tiling course might include two weeks of irrelevant theory, reducing actual practice.
• Check Material Quality: Confirm whether the centre uses industry-standard materials. Some cut costs with reusable substitutes, like laying floor tiles without adhesive or using only sand-lime mixes for plastering, which won’t prepare you for real-world work.
• Post-Course Support: Inquire about ongoing support after the course. Access to a real person for guidance, rather than just a forum, is invaluable in the months or years following your training.
• Specialized Instructors: Centres offering multiple trades are fine, but ensure each trade has dedicated, qualified instructors and separate training areas. A single tutor teaching all trades may compromise quality.
• Beware of Overpriced Packages: Some centres bundle courses or toolkits at inflated prices. A “£1000+” toolkit might cost far less if purchased independently. Request a detailed tool list with brand names and compare prices yourself.
• Compare Costs: Don’t assume further education (FE) colleges are always cheaper. With reduced government funding, their courses may not be the most cost-effective option.
• Class Size Matters: Ask about the number of students per course. A class of 18+ may dilute the training quality, while very small classes (e.g., 4 students) might limit material use. Quality materials and experienced instructors are costly, so balance class size with resource availability.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a training centre that delivers high-quality, practical education to support your career goals.