ATL Practical Training...

[Jimbobs]

Hi Chaps,

I've been working as a mate/labourer with my dad (spark) since I was 15. I'm now 21 and need to get my qualifications. College was out of the question this year, due to up front financial requirements, so I looked around a bit and stumbled across ATL Practical Training.

I know theres a few threads on here and other sites that slate them, and others that say they're a pretty good organisation. Basically having read through everything, I can't seem to find anyone who has actually completed the course, and more importantly became a FULLY QUALIFIED spark. Most people seem to be posting halfway through the course, or seem to be in a similar boat to myself and are looking to sign up to ATL. Its like I can't get a full story from anywhere.

I know people say theres no point in doing these courses without on the job training, but I have 6 years on the job training, and am currently working 5 days a week with my old man. A lack of quals are the main set back.


So I guess I'm asking a few things really...

1. Are ATL a trustworthy company?
2. Do I become a FULLY QUALIFIED spark at the end of it all?
3. Is this course any different than a college course, with the ongoing training I'm already getting anyway?

Any additional info would be much appreciated also.

Cheers,
Jim

 

[Marvo]

Welcome to the forum Jimbobs.

I've put your thread in the Electrical Courses & Electrical NVQ's forum for you. Maybe have a read through the other threads in this forum as well as the feedback forum for advice as well.

 

[derek]

There is no such thing as a fully qualified spark, only competent (or incompetent) ones. There are many different aspects to the electrical industry so you need to decide what part it is that interests you, but you should at least learn basic electrical theory.
If you want JIB Electrician status then there is a list of qualifications on their website that you will need to gain.
There is no substitute for on the job experience, learning from someone who knows what they doing.