| By :
Martin Hofschroer
The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) has said that plumbing companies have benefited from 'fly-by-night' training centres being closed due to the recession. The leading employers' organisation said that it welcomes the news that one of the big five banks is exiting the specialist adult education and training market as this will lead to the shutting down of questionable 'fast-track' centres. APHC said that there has been a rise in training centres that exploited the marketplace by providing 'fast-track' plumbing courses which falsely claimed would lead to a career in the industry. Many people have been duped into handing over large sums of money to these centres as they are unaware that there is no quick and easy entry into plumbing. APHC technical services manager John Thompson said that it is good news that a number of the rogue training providers are currently in administration or on the brink of financial failure. He said: "The bubble appears to have burst for fast-track training providers. It is a positive outcome from the recession that these businesses are now suffering and consequently reducing the output of inexperienced individuals and businesses that go on to compete with legitimate businesses in these tough economic times." The cowboy training centres were producing under qualified plumbers who were unfairly competing with legitimate companies with skilled employees who had passed the appropriate plumbing courses, according to Mr Thompson. While he has happy that these damaging operations were closing down, Mr Thompson said he had sympathy for training centre employees and students who had been tricked into paying money for an insufficient qualification. People who want to become plumbers need to be aware that a proper sequence of approved and accredited NVQ plumbing courses must be undertaken. The required foundation plumbing course for beginners is the City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2 which will allow people to progress onto NVQ level 3. Mr Thompson said that potential students should always ensure that training centres provide the appropriate approved and accredited plumbing courses before enrolling. "As the UK climbs out of recession, consumers who are considering enrolling on courses to train them in plumbing and heating should check the quality of the training provided and that it results in a full NVQ including work-based experience," he added. The APHC's mission statement is to ensure that all plumbing and heating companies are provided with a stable and sustained market place.
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