Access Training

Trade training with centres across the UK

Access Training is an organisation specialising in trade training courses, with training centres distributed across the UK. Its offering is aimed both at people with no previous experience looking to start a trade and at professionals who want to obtain recognised qualifications. The company states it has trained 100,000 students and delivered 35,000 courses since it was founded in 2003.

Training areas: electrical, gas and plumbing

Access Training's catalogue is organised into three main areas: electrical courses, gas courses and plumbing courses. Each area includes programmes for those starting from scratch, such as the essential, professional and premium courses, as well as specific courses for working professionals who need to update or expand their skills.

Electrical courses

The electrical offering ranges from introductory courses to technical specialisations. Among the available programmes are the Essential Electrical Course, the Professional Electrical Course and the Premium Electrical Course. For professionals, courses are offered such as Initial Verification, Fundamental Inspection & Testing, Periodic Inspection & Testing, the Combined Inspection & Testing Course, the Electrical Design Course, the Part P Course, the Electric Vehicle Charging Installation Course, the Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Course and the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations Course. Domestic Electrical Training and the Electrical NVQ Level 3 Diploma are also taught.

Gas courses

In the gas area, introductory courses are offered such as the Essential Gas Engineer Course, the Professional Gas Engineer Course and the Premium Gas Engineer Course. For professionals, the Heat Pump Course is included.

Plumbing courses

Plumbing training comprises the Essential Plumbing Course, the Professional Plumbing Course and the Premium Plumbing Course. Professionals can access courses such as the Heat Pump Course, the Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems Course, the WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) Course, the Bathroom Fitting Course and the NVQ Level 2 Certification for experienced site plumbers.

Training format: online theory and in-centre practical training

Access Training's method combines online theory training with in-centre practical training. The company describes its online learning portal as a tool that allows access to live classes, rewatching them, taking interactive tests and participating in tutor Q&A sessions. Access to this portal is valid for three years. The practical part takes place in fully equipped centres, with intensive and flexible programmes that allow learners to start when they are ready and progress at their own pace. The centres are open seven days a week and offer courses both at weekends and on weekdays.

Qualifications and funding

Access Training works with several awarding organisations to offer industry-recognised qualifications. The company states that it has a fast-track process for granting funding, with instant decisions, and that interested parties can speak to course advisors for more information.

Career support and job board

Student support includes a career support service that is activated at the end of training. This service offers industry advice, help with building a CV and assistance in applying for job opportunities through a partner network. Support is also offered to those who want to start their own business. The company publishes featured job listings, such as Level 2 plumber roles, self-employed PAT tester or electrician for solar PV installations, among others.

Guarantee and track record

Access Training offers a three-year guarantee on its programmes. The company states it has thousands of students who have successfully completed their training and presents itself as a trade course specialist. Its activity dates back to 2003 and, according to its data, it has trained 100,000 students and delivered 35,000 courses.