Through the ReactFast Training Centre, you can learn a new trade, gain the qualifications and skills you require and coupled with the great support of ReactFast and all their team, you will soon be out in the field reaping the rewards....
Ian Barker
View Testimonial
ReactFast Plumbing Training Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. However, if you have a query about the plumbing training courses or ReactFast, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The traditional route to becoming a plumber in the UK is via an apprenticeship. With two years study at college and working for a plumbing firm you will progress towards NVQ level 2 or level 3. This typically takes two to three years to complete.
With limited places available in colleges and the difficulty in getting apprenticeships, many people are turning to private companies to bridge the training gap. The choice of courses available is bewildering. We cannot advise you on which course you should take. Much of this depends on your goals and aspirations and what you want from a plumbing career.
ReactFast offers two routes into the plumbing industry.
The ReactFast 7 week Intensive Plumbing Training Programme has been designed specifically for the domestic plumbing and heating market. This course includes City & Guilds 6128 Level 2 Technical Certficate, BPEC Water Regulations, Part L Energy Efficiency and the New Logic Foundation Certificate in Basic Heating and Hot Water System Design and Specification. You now have the opportunity to complete your City and Guilds 6088 NVQ Level 2 by completing an on-site portfolio of evidence.
ReactFast can also offer the City & Guilds 6129 Technical Certificate. This course takes place over a 10 week period. If you want to ultimately achieve a plumbing NVQ you must first complete your 6129 Technical Certificate. Full details of this 10 week programme are shown on the inserts within this pack.
Our training is designed to ensure that our candidates are able to cope with the vast majority of plumbing jobs that they will experience in the field. This is what we are good at. The system is tried and tested, and it works. After finishing our course you can start earning money as a plumber in the domestic market. We also recommend that you continue you personal development by going on to achieve your NVQ Level 2.
I am looking for a plumbing apprenticeship, can you help?
We have no direct vacancies for apprentices within our network of engineers.
What type of person would attend your plumbing training courses?
The majority of course attendees are looking to enter into plumbing as a stand alone trade and often end up starting their own plumbing businesses. People who are interested in home improvements or involved with building projects and employees of maintenance companies also regularly attend, including those who are just looking to enhance their existing trade skills or keep up to speed with new regulations such as Part P and Unvented Hot Water Systems.
No we cannot. However, if you are intending to start work as a self employed plumber you could register with us for sub contract work. As one of the nations leading providers of work for the trades we are well placed to provide work for sub contractors. For those who are willing to start at the lower level financially (typically younger students) there may be employed opportunities with our franchisees.
Are there any age limits on attending the course?
As a general rule there are no upper and lower age limits to the courses but we have to consider the safety aspect and the responsibilities that we are, and would be expected to adhere to, in respect of suitable applicants. This is an adult course for those wishing to enter the plumbing trade. With this in mind we have set a minimum age limit on the courses of 16 years of age with the provision that the attendee has left the standard UK full time state education system. With regard to upper age limits your health, physical fitness and ability to carry out the tasks required are important.
The first question here would be; how hard are you prepared to work? A good plumber can expect to earn in excess of £40,000 a year. Many plumbers will earn more than this although they tend to be operating multi van operations with one or more employees.
Do your offer Management Training
We do not provide any form of management training on this course. This course is purely designed around delivering practical and theoretical training for a career in plumbing.
Will I become CORGI registered?
Neither of the plumbing programmes will lead automatically to CORGI registration. However, both routes can ultimately lead to further training within the gas services industry for which you must be CORGI registered. If you attend the 7-week plumbing programme and following it up by completing the 6088 NVQ Level 2, you are classed as a Category 2 applicant by relevant governing bodies. By completing a specific gas portfolio under the supervision of a CORGI registered installer you will be in a position to undertake Initial ACS Training and Assessment that ultimately leads to CORGI Registration.
Do your training courses run throughout the year?
Yes they do. Whilst they don’t always run back to back, there is never more than a few of weeks gap before the finish and start of a new course.
Can I attend the course two weeks at a time or on a part time basis?
No, all our courses are intensive and have to be attended in one block. However it is an area that we are developing and aim to be offering a flexible programme in 2008.
Are there many women plumbers?
At the moment no, but it is slowly changing. Plumbing tends to be a predominantly male domain but there is no real reason for this. We have had women attend our courses and they have coped just as well as the men. For further details on being a female plumber, visit our website (www.reactfast.co.uk) and read about ReactFast franchisee Samantha Pardoe’s experiences.
What is the cost of a plumbing training course?
The cost varies depending on which course you take. The cost of our 7 week training course is £4,795 plus VAT. To secure a place on our plumbing course you must pay a £500 deposit with the balance due at least a week before commencement. We cannot accept instalments or payment after a course has taken place. All courses must be paid for in advance before you attend.
How do I know if I am capable of passing the course?
Our trainers provide hands on practical help to assist you in passing this course and gaining relevant qualifications. If you are uncertain as to your ability to carry out this work and absorb the information, you should book a practical and theory assessment test with us before you pay your deposit. There is no charge for this assessment. All you need to do is arrange to visit either of our training facilities in Birmingham or Greater Manchester.
Yes of course you can. All you need to do is arrange to visit one of our training centres in either Birmingham or Greater Manchester where you can view the facilities and talk to one of our trainers and take a practical assessment.
Where are the training courses based?
We have two centres, one in Central Birmingham the other in Atherton, Greater Manchester.
You should make every effort to ensure that the dates you book for a course are guaranteed and set aside for the duration of the course. We will not refund course fees due to someone changing their mind or deciding to book a holiday instead of attending the training course. However, we will be as reasonable as possible with regard to accommodating someone who, as a result of illness, or unforeseen circumstances, is unable to attend the training course. Whilst a refund is unlikely to be offered, an alternative course date may be offered at the company discretion.
Do you offer loans or finances for the courses?
ReactFast now offer in-house finance opportunities, for further information please contact a member of our Training Team on 0800 121 8438 or for information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.
ReactFast offers a variety of courses, both practical and legislative, that will support your continuing personal development. These courses include;