UKC

I'm considering doing an intensive course that trains for ML, SPA, CWA, BCU and more like those provided by Plas-y-brenin and others, typically running 4-6 months and ranging from £5-10k!

Has anyone taken part in such a course and would they recommend it? Also, did you fund via a career development loan?

In reply to John Newbiggin: i would spend the money on funding getting more experience and paying for the NGBs myself. The fast track courses dont atually guarantee you any qualifications as it depends on your experience whether yiu get anything more than the training courses though you will get to spend a lot of time with highly experienced instrutors though even this doesnt guarantee you'll come out with anything more than basic qualifications.

In reply to John Newbiggin: I'm a bit biased but think they can be very good or they can be a waste of money.

Having worked on one over the last 4 winters and now running my own it's down to the individual client to make the most of them.

People from the courses have gone in a variety of directions, from many who don't work in the industry any more to one who's a successful MIA and WML.

Pick your course wisely though, some are better than others, some simply specialise more in certain areas.

Qualifications alone do not make a great instructor, on the right course you will get great input from quality, experienced instructors.