Check out the various training sites that offer these 17 day and 5 week courses and you'll see there is no misunderstanding at all. You'll find it's basically the same crap for both, the 5 week'er may come away with a PAT testing certificate, but that's about it!! Both of these short courses are specifically targeted and advertised at those wanting to work as an electrician (Domestic Installer) in the domestic sector. This is the whole point of having a National Register of Qualified Electricians, to put a stop once and for all, to all this back door entry malarky.
There is no place for either of these graduates in our electrical industry as far as i'm concerned. I think you'll find that over 90% of all these back door wannabe's, are sole traders, applying and registering with the part Pee scams within day's of passing out of these fast track training centres. Very few of either, will go on to take further training, and basically without the electrical core qualification and skill training they shouldn't be allowed to work alone in anyone's property.
A bit harsh i know, but then reality and truth normally is!!!