Advent Training Gone bust... what now??

tallcaz

Well! Got the letter this morning, confirming the new training provider, Computeach international ltd. Highlighting the fact that it is equivalent or better standard. Mmm! reading other threads I don’t think so.

The letter goes on to say, please contact Computeach as soon as possible so they can arrange the continuation of your training.

We realise you will have many questions and Computeach will be able to assist you with these. As an active student you will need to continue your studies to bring your training to a satisfactory conclusion and you are obliged under the credit agreement to continue your repayments as outlined in the Terms & Conditions.

It just seems to me that they have done and dusted with the problem and pass the buck on to Computeach to sort out all problems every student will have, so they can get on with their life.

We all have choice (although forced upon us) to go with it, or not go with is.

I for one choose not to go with it for lots of reasons (too many to list).

So, I guess we have a fight on our hands and the only way we will get anywhere, close to winning any money back (for those who have lost it) or just cancelling the agreement, is by sticking together.

What is the way forward from now and who will be able to help us?

At least now, we have a point of which to start a fight with, gloves off.

A very disillusioned student.

Mustard2243

Umm forgive the rudeness inky but given your jovial tone and the fact that barclays have not secured identical training in any way shape or form. I can only come to one of two conclusions 1. being that you have not done much research into Computeach 2. You are from Barclays in which case by coming on here you go even further to highlight how precarious any position Barclay may claim to have is.

freeoffers

headmonkey wrote: »

In the mean time I have decided to start a project investigating the possibility of some sort of online hub for people who want to learn from home with the intention of breaking into the IT industry..

interesting. i think its a good idea actually, could be done at a fraction of the cost.
the main problem with all these courses is that they sound great, cost alot and dont guarantee a job.
ive seen loads on job sites offering training from anything other than fitness to marketing. what advent did, which fooled a lot of eople, was pretend that they were choosy. None of these companies are fussy at all. all they want is your money!

freeoffers

Emz1983 wrote: »

Hi Folks,
Advent had pretty much guaranteed me a job at the end of my training if not before .

why would they guarantee you a job before training ends? i doubt they guaranteed you a job as training companies may rip people off but they dont 100% guarantee a job. thats why barclays wouldnt

wau_wau_sister

Has anyone else here been in touch with OLCI yet? I've been invited to book a place on an open day this weekend, but i can't make it. And I don't see why I should have to to be honest anyway.
Barclays have been as unhelpful as ever. They're sending me demanding letters, with charges for missed payments, despite telling me that my direct debit payments were on hold. This situation is stressing me out so much i'm not sleeping and i can't concentrate at work. Barclays haven't even sent me a copy of my loan agreement, which i asked for over ten days ago, and I'm almost sure i didn't sign one because I can't find it and I wouldn't have thrown it away. Neither have they sent any letters or emails confirming the conversations we've had over the phone.

Marco9

Guys I'm a Microsoft Trainer and have been teaching this stuff for 10+ years so here's my tuppence worth. The money you have paid to Advent is gone...accept it. For God's sake do not pay any more money to CompuTeach. I have had several of their students through my classes and not one has had a good word to say about them. Here's how you prepare and pass the exams:

1. Download Microsoft's Virtual pc (free). This will allow you to work with the products.
2. Install Operating System into Virtual pc (Server 2003 still valid imho). You must have lots of experience with the OS, this is as good as it gets, all MS courses are taught using virtual software now. I work for a Microsoft CPLS and that's how we do it. Lots of free vhd's on MS download site.
3. Get a copy of the appropriate MS press training kit book. I recommend them because they have good labs in them which work well with your virtual pc software. You must get hands-on, books only aint enough.
4. Study your nuts off. We do 5 day intensive product-only work so thats around 40 hours of practical design and implementation. It'll take you about a month at least to replicate this.
5. Book prometric exam 2 weeks in advance and study the mock exams. Then pass those babies. Next subject....

I've just had a CT guy through on my Server 2003 course, his company put him on it and he works in the IT game. He's been at it for about 18 months with no success. He took the 70-290 exam 2 weeks after the main course and passed easily, with his product knowledge going near vertical to boot.

Feel genuinley sorry for you guys but not the first time I've seen this happen. Basically don't throw good money after bad.....try the self-study route for a bit, it's as least as good as CT and will leave you thousands better off. Good Luck!!

susanboylefan

ANNOUNCEMENT - REPRESENTATIVE LEGAL ACTION!!!!!

A BIG GLOBAL CLAIMANTS FIRM HAS OFFERED TO REPRESENT EX-ADVENT STUDENTS ON A NO WIN-NO FEE BASIS!

This will cost you NOTHING to take part in.

This is the company who I approached a little while ago, and I've since firmed up some details with them (though I've been asked to withhold their name in order to not tip Barclays off as they have spies here). I can say they are well established in winning class action lawsuits against banks and big companies, including USA oil companies, and tackling human rights and consumer mass actions.

On winning the case, we will have our money refunded, with damages/costs on top. The firm recover their fee from the defendant (Barclays Partner Finance) so we pay them nothing. If they lose, then costs are covered by an insurer they draw up an agreement with, not us.

I've asked some questions which I know will concern people and this is a summary of the answers from the Legal Partner:

The representative action will cover BPF clients with different circumstances such as those in arrears on their loans and now paying charges, those still paying back loans by direct debit, those fully paid off, those who have frozen accounts now but are still part way through their repayments. A selection of people in those different situations will be selected as representative cases.

You can still go ahead with small claims, independant solicitors and complaints to the Ombudsman etc, but the firm asks you keep them informed so what they are doing is not undermined by someone 'going out on a limb.'

If you want to take part, they ask people to "AT PRESENT (A) ENSURE THAT THEY RETAIN ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION; (B) REFRAIN FROM FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE (to Barclays) OTHER THAN TO SAY THEY ARE TAKING ADVICE; AND (C) WAIT UNTIL WE CAN COMMUNICATE WITH THEM."

They've asked me to act as co-ordinator to collect people's names who want to take part.

There is no guarantee how long this will take, depending on al the issues and how much Barclays dig their heels in. It's hoped it won't go as far as a court however and Barclays will see reason and settle quickly, as their legal team felt we had a pretty solid, clear-cut case.

If you want to take part in this, please contact me directly ASAP at this email and leave me your full (real) name. I'll compile an e-mailing list so we can all keep in touch with info and updates from the lawyers. First I need to know how many are interested in being part of this though.


If you want your money back add your name to the class action lawsuit against Barclays Partner Finance.
In case the link to my email doesn't work, it's fuzzbutt1962@hotmail.com
Just to add I am not the liason but Fuzzbutt is from another forum.

susanboylefan

Hi,All Advent Students,
This is a genuine offer of Legal Representation, in case anyone is suspicious.
I have taken it from CAG( although CAG is not involved in the arrangements) as my son was an Advent IT student and has been on there.
If you can copy The above Notice and link it anywhere you know Advent/Barclays Partner Finance is being discussed then all Advent students should be informed and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The Notice has been posted on Facebook as well but if you guys know anywhere else that would be a great help to get the message across. You can win this you have a strong case and you have now excellent representation that will cost you all nothing.
The more names the more power to fight back and stop these
Training companies and their funders ripping people off.
Use the email above of Fuzzbutt
Thank You

wynnvegas

freeoffers wrote: »

why would they guarantee you a job before training ends? i doubt they guaranteed you a job as training companies may rip people off but they dont 100% guarantee a job. thats why barclays wouldnt

The easy answer to your question is to get people to sign up to their course. I didn't believe my brother (who signed up for it on the basis of this 100% guarantee) or the mother (who guaranteed the money on the same basis) so I got the sales guy round to the house and asked him if it was assistance with a CV, work experience placements, agency work or anything short of full-time, permanent employment. He confirmed to me that it was definitely full-time, permanent employment at a minimum of £18,000 per annum on completion of the Comptia A+. If needs be and the letters to Barclays and the Financial Ombudsman fail, I've advised him to take it to court and fight it as I don't see, on the balance of probabilities, that Barclays will be able to defend this. The course was almost double the price of everything else on the market so why else would people sign up for it?

Cheers,

Billy

susanboylefan

Hi Wynnvegas,
That is the carrot that's used to sell their courses, and also the limited spaces trick, hurry and sign up so you don't miss out ,even quoting big companies they use to place people in jobs.
They blind young people with this chance to a new career and although I was suspicious the saleswoman was very adept at relieving all his anxiety's.
He was willing to study and put everything into this.
All that has been achieved is a massive debt and stress he has written complaints to BPF, Trading standards, Watchdog, FOS , signed number 10 petition I wrote to my MP who has tabled a motion for debate in the Scottish Parliament. Re Training companies and their Funders.
These Training companies should be regulated they are grossly overpriced and are nothing more than a moneymaking scheme between themselves and the funders.