Training - Any help appreciated!!

[NoviceAl]

Hello all,

new on here so please have a little patience with me!. I need some info on courses and hope some of you may be able to help me,

 

Firstly, time constraints. I'm currently employed full time on a 4 shift on, 4 shift off pattern. I do this 7 times then get 18 days off. This gives me time for study though I have to squeeze it inbetween 2 toddlers & a wife working shifts as well.

I left the Army 5 years ago but still have an allotted amount of money from them that will pay for training courses. The courses can only be classroom based or home study/distance learning, i.e, no practical training but I'm very lucky enough to be working and can pay for that aspect myself.

I need to know what courses I can get the Army to pay for ( i.e, the most expensive ones! ) and which courses an absolute novice/beginner with no experience would best suit me. I live in South Wales ( Nr. Swansea ) and could quite feasibly do a day a week in college if there are any good providers down this way.

Much apologies if these Q's have been asked before and thanks for taking the time to read this and an even bigger thankyou if you spare a minute to reply!.

Al.

[Samuel]

if you pay for 30,31 which is basic chainsaw operations, then get the army to pay for the more expensive ones which are cs38,cs39

 

BTW welcome to the forum

[Paul Smith]

You can get the Army to pay for 30/31-38/39 stump grinder and chipper. You will have to contribute 10% ELC will pay £2000. Speak to Richard Olley at Kingswood Training, banner on the right.

[arbwork]

It is quite likely you can get funding or part funding for most of the practical aspects of Arb and Forestry related training, there was a lump of eec monies as well as around last year and hopefully still is , please note you must get agreement for this before signing up for any course , I hope people nearer you can suggest local / recommended training facility, ask them re funding and help , most of them know best who can help support you with this , you will be entering, in my opinion, one of the best and potentially most rewarding trades/ professions there is , from Army to continental shifts to ? it may be possible and mutually beneficial for an Arb co. to take you on locally I wish you well with your journey

[NoviceAl]

Many thanks for the quick response!, I'm taken completely taken aback!!. I will definately look into those courses that you have told me about, I really appreciate your time fellas!.

[swinny]

if you pay for 30,31 which is basic chainsaw operations, then get the army to pay for the more expensive ones which are cs38,cs39

 

BTW welcome to the forum

 

the other way around bud, just done them, its 645.00 for the cs 30/31 then 485 for the cs 38 then 320 for the cs 39

 

there the price's where i'm doing my courses anyways

[janey]

... The courses can only be classroom based or home study/distance learning, i.e, no practical training...

 

You can do the RFS Certificate online, but I think for someone fresh to arb' this may be a bit hard going. There are two parts to this: theory and then if you pass, a practical element which you have two years (I think?) to acheive.

 

There is also the City and Guilds course which is run 1-2 days per week and is college based, covering basic theory and practical skills. This is probably your best entry course, but I don't know if you would be able to fit it in with your shift patterns.

[NoviceAl]

Ok then, basically, home study is good but perhaps a little hard on the un-initiated, which is definately me!. I learn best when doing hands on activities so perhaps that would be best for me with a view to doing the home study option when I've gained some experience and can get a jist of what I'm reading. I'm about to look into it now anyway with an eye to the future so thanks JANEY for helping to think about covering all bases!.

I've looked @ the Kingswood site DEER MAN and have left them an email so hopefully will get a reply @ some point soon, cheers for the info!. SWINNY, where abouts are you doing your courses?, I'm after a little info on training establishments as well, I don't mind travelling as long as I end up getting good quality tuition.

Again, can't thank you all enough for your help, I'm well chuffed!!!.

[janey]

Aye, we're not a bad bunch. Despite appearances . Keep us posted with how you're getting on.

[NoviceAl]

Cheers Janey, I'm feeling more confident now in actually going for it!. Thanks for all the positive support, will keep it posted!.