Talk Quesada forum

I have been interested in learning and becoming proficient in the installation of solar technologies (and other renewables) for a while and have seen numerous courses advertised which offer a means to quick training and appropriate qualifications. My question is though, are they worth doing? Do companies involved in that field take any notice of these fast pace courses or are they a waste of money? If they are worthless in the real world then how would one go about getting into it as a career change?

Any advice from any past/present tradesmen within those fileds would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

In my opinion without practical experience how can anybody become proficient,my business was natural gas ex B.g.many years 20 years ago we had people trying to get in the business who were great on theory and dangerous on practical but there were always the odd one with drive and confidence that made it somehow you need to spend a while learning the art your obviously need to be a reasonable diy to kick the off with,just my opinion these centres will gladly take your money good luck

These courses do offer both theory and practical classes which is required in order to gain the advertised (albeit fast track) qualifications. My question is, once the course if finished and the qualification gained, is it possible to then approach renewable companies here in the pursuit of work or would they turn their noses up at this method of entry into the industry? I wouldn't want to spend a sum of money in retraining that could potentially run into several thousand pounds if it didn't make me an attractive candidate in that line of work. Or maybe qualifications gained there are not applicable here?

It seems that apprentices do not exist these days and if they do, they seem to only be available to school leavers etc which more than counts me out. I do have a technical background in other areas so it is not beyond my ability to learn and i do have an interest in it. DIY skills are not bad but always room for improvement. Maybe the best thing to do is contact all companies in the field and ask what they look for. Of course there is also the self employed route but it think it's best to learn from people that know what their doing.

Thanks for your comment.

Personally I would contact a few solar firms asking if they take on people who complete these type of courses....these courses seem to be popular with different trades ...plasterer , tiler , gas fitter etc

Some of these courses con you into paying for the course then paying for an exclusive area to work in ...bit like a franchise.

Wouldn't think there's too much to learn for solar panel fitting ...
But find out all the facts ...cos like in uk people will fleece you of your money