Hi guys. I have just finished the 2330 level 2/3 course with Olci. Anyone thinking of joining them better not want any tuition with the theory side of things because I thought it was virtually none existent! When I first starting revising I soon found out that the people in the call centre in London are absolutely useless. The only way to get through it is by putting a lot of blood sweat and tears into it on your own. Forget most of the Ill written course material and buy the Trevor Lindsey books. on the other hand the practical sessions are quite good but you need to go through theory first as it is fast moving and you will get found out. As someone who has never worked in the electrical field before I thought that it progressed too quickly. Just stick with it and it will all fall into place eventually. I must stress that the exams are very hard and you will do well to pass all of them first time round. I'm now in the position that I can't find someone to take me on with out any on site experience even though I have more credentials than some 3/4 year apprentices! Joke. Hit the books and bite the bullet, I'm am testament to the fact it can be done. Another thing Olci are the best fast track training provider out there which is why they are accredited by barclays bank.
Got to agree with the above I'm halfway through lvl2 and have found it a mixed bag
The course materials are a joke, bin them and get the Linsley books far more detailed, also agree about the theory side i.e. it's non-existant.
The practical sessions are ok if you understand what's required/being asked of you but, as students can book up the whole course without passing any exams you get far too many people who haven't a clue what they're doing (which I understand happens) and seem intent on annoying everyone else
A couple of people who have been on the same sessions as me have got less than 20% in 201, 202 and 203 and are booked up to do the practical assessment next week when they have no chance of passing where as others who do, have to wait. I'm hoping by the time lvl 3 comes around all the wasters are filtered out
The tutors are hit and miss if you don't get it, you wont be told anything bar read your materials (which explain nothing theory side). If you do show competence the tutor will be willing to sit with you for a bit and talk about things outside the materials
In the London centre the tools are beyond bad, probably as they don't sign in/out tool boxes so you either have an incomplete toolbox or screwdrivers that have been battered (usually a combination of both) have also never seen a wire stripper (yes it's possible with cutters but hardly good practice).
As above you'll only get out of it what you're willing to put in
*edit* I should add that the "call centre" has been nothing but helpful - I'm guessing 2330 lvl 2 has a high intake and the churn will mean that lvl 3 should be a lot more accessible