PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2025 Training& Education 35


How to avoid those training red fl ags


Not all training providers are the same and some can leave trainees ill-equipped and out of pocket. Mark Krull from Logic4training advises on how to avoid costly mistakes and identify a training programme that will set you up for success.


T


he building services and construction industries are facing a long-term skills shortage, with an estimated 1.3 million skilled workers and


350,000 apprentices required over the next decade to meet national targets for housebuilding, retrofi tting and decarbonisation. When demand spikes in any industry, opportunists aren’t far behind – think about the rush for PPE during the pandemic or insulation fi rms cashing in on ECO4 funding. With demand for skilled tradespeople


at an all time high and the government investing in heat pump upskilling, there is increasing need for more fl exible routes to enter the sector. While the idea of quick qualifi cation and immediate employment is tempting, it’s important for new entrants and businesses looking to upskill to look for quality training that is practical, reputable and will result in industry-leading qualifi cations before they part with their hard-earned cash. So, how can you navigate this complex


landscape and identify the training providers that will genuinely set you up for a successful and rewarding career? Here are some key ‘red fl ags’ to watch out for and essential steps to take to ensure you invest in quality training:


Distance learning While online learning can be a valuable tool for delivering theoretical knowledge and reinforcing practical skills learned in the real world, training courses that begin with a period of online or distance learning should immediately raise concerns. Quality new entrant training courses


will focus on practical skills development, technical knowledge and real-world experience. While training that starts with open-ended online-only training might sound like a good way to enter a new sector, this approach often results in high drop out rates, leaving candidates without the skills they need to be of value to potential employers. When used as a secondary support for


practical learning, online platforms can have a positive infl uence. Candidates can source information, update their knowledge, prepare for training or revise for assessments when they have the time – at home in the evening, sitting in the van or on lunch break, for example. If used as a primary teaching method, online courses fall critically short. Online modules require high self-


discipline and learners may struggle to stay motivated without tutor support or peer interaction. Videos and PowerPoint slides cannot compare to an in-person demonstration with the opportunity to ask questions and receive instant feedback – there is a serious lack of depth to this approach that trainees should be very wary of.


ranging opportunities in the low carbon sector and be fl exible enough to meet individual needs and learning styles. Flexible study patterns and payment options remove barriers and improve access to training for all. Some routes, for example, the Gas


Mark Krull Director at Logic4Training


Confusing outcomes Do the course materials clearly defi ne the qualifi cations you will achieve upon successful completion and the specifi c competencies you will gain? Will you be able to join the Gas Safe Register, does the course cover electrical safety relating to plumbing and heating appliances, and where should you do next once qualifi ed? – the answers to these questions should be clear in your mind before you make a decision. Do not be pressured into enrolling too


quickly – take your time to thoroughly evaluate your options. Anything that feels too good to be true requires deeper digging.


Lack of experience Be cautious of training providers that don’t clearly highlight the qualifi cations and practical experience of their teaching staff . Ideally, instructors should not only hold relevant certifi cations and assessing qualifi cations but also have signifi cant experience working in the plumbing and heating industry. Their real-world experience is invaluable in preparing you for the challenges and demands of the trade. There are lots of excellent new training


centres popping up all over the UK to cater for increasing demand for gas engineers, plumbers and heat pump installers, so this isn’t a ‘red fl ag’ as such, just a need for extra due diligence! A good way to tell if a training centre is legit is by checking they are accredited by an established and reputable certifi cation body, for example, LCL Awards or City & Guilds.


Quick fi x Apprenticeships are a great fi t for many new entrants but the industry also needs to attract learners who fall outside of the apprenticeship remit, for example, experienced workers from related sectors with transferable skills. It’s important for training pathways to refl ect the wide


Managed Learning Programme (MLP), do off er a quicker route to qualifi cation than a traditional apprenticeship, however, there is no quick-fi x. The best route into the trades is one that combines theoretical learning with practice on training rigs and on-site, a process that involves a certain amount of time in practical environments being mentored by industry experts.


Try before you buy Just as hands on experience is essential for trainee installers, an in-person visit to a training centre is far superior to making a judgment based on online reviews. Nothing compares to attending an open day where you can observe training taking place, talk with students, meet the trainers and look at some of the rigs you’ll be training on. Quality training providers welcome


PHAM DECJAN21 EG TRAINING:Layout 1 23/11/2021 13:40 Page 1


these visits, understanding that seeing their teaching environment fi rsthand demonstrates their commitment to practical training that truly prepares candidates for the industry. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/39


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