BIRMINGHAM: A number of fast-track training providers are currently in administration or on the brink of financial failure, according to a report from the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors.
The trade association for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales was alerted following the announcement that one of the 'big five' banks is exiting the specialist adult education and training market.
Said John Thompson, technical services manager at APHC: "The bubble appears to have burst for fast-track training providers.
"It is a positive outcome from the recession that these businesses are now suffering and consequently reducing the output of inexperienced individuals and businesses that go on to compete with legitimate businesses in these tough economic times.
"The recession hit a lot of APHC members extremely hard, particularly in traditional plumbing and heating markets where significant numbers of fast-track trained individuals have been competing on unfair terms with skilled and experienced APHC members and other legitimate companies.
"As the UK climbs out of recession, consumers who are considering enrolling on courses to train them in plumbing and heating should check the quality of the training provided and that it results in a full NVQ including work-based experience."
