Adult retraining, which avenue is the best to set you up to be competent and provide your best chance at gaining employment?

[HumbleWorker 91RT]

Hi guys,
I’m a rope access technician having worked on and around building sites for the past 7 years. I’ve carried out a wide variety of tasks and are competent on the tools.

I’m wanting to retrain as a spark, from doing some research it seems a c and g course level 2/3 then get work with a firm to fill out the portfolio and then sit AM2 is the way?

Also I’ve tried to understand the DI situation, if I do the above C&G Courses at college. How do I go about certifying work and what extra would I need to do to then do inspection and testing on past installations?

College evening course is the way I’m going to have to do it, also from the opinion that short courses aren’t worth it (please if you’ve done one, would you recommend and how did you find it trying to gain employment afterwards).

Do any of you have spots open for free labour in order to build up some experience?

Any info or opinions welcome as I’m sure this is asked a thousand times etc.
I’m keen and want to make a genuine career change.

Cheers
Robbie