college unable to complete city and guilds course

boandelvis

Hello
My son will complete a two year C&G course in plumbing in a few months. He has been attending this course for two years, two evenings a week. He currently has a full time job in an unrelated trade but once qualified he would be looking to gain plumbing work.

Last night, the course tutor, the only C&G assessor capable of signing off the work and exams all the class have done announced he is leaving with almost immediate effect and it is unlkely the college would be replacing him as they wont be running the course again.
This leaves a huge problem - my son has passed all the exams he has sat but cannot be signed off as qualified until he has completed the rest of the course which now wont run. There was also, before he could be signed off, to be a weeks work arranged with a plumbing company whereby the assessor would come out and asesss the work and sign that part off.

Now its looking very much like the entire course has been a waste of time. In reality, to work as a plumber for water, you dont need qualifications to work for yourself. But for gas plumbing you need the qualification and work experience assessed.

This is the second tutor to leave. One left last year and wasnt replaced - the night he used to teach, he was replaced by any available tutor of any subject and the class were just told to read up for exams. So the college now dont have a C&G assessor and it looks like they wont be getting one. The class have been told to still turn up for the two night per week to get checked in to show they have been there.

My sons course was paid for under the 24 plus scheme but there are people on the course who have paid the fees, 3k, and may have to apply for a refund.

Would appreciate any advice on this - he has worked hard to get this. Works a ten hour day then goes straight to college - now looks like he has wasted his time.

Bogalot

If this has only happened yesterday you haven't given the college chance to sort things out. Your son should contact the head of department and ask what their plan is for getting them assessed. They can no doubt get someone in on a sessional basis, but that may take a few weeks.

boandelvis

thanks for your reply. Its actually the head of dept who is leaving, he is the only assessor. He has told the class there is unlikely to be a replacement. Son has been to college tonight and there are no updates.

Savvy_Sue

Just because the college doesn't intend to replace this person, doesn't mean they cannot or will not get someone in on a sessional basis (rather than a temporary contract).

If they appear to be dragging their feet over this, then your son could contact your local councillor and MP to highlight what is happening.