Not all training courses deliver on their promises

Q: I recently lost my job and am thinking about retraining. I've seen an advert for a short course that would qualify me for security work. It means paying quite a lot up front, which I can't really afford right now, but if it makes me more employable it would probably be worth it. Any advice?
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Feb 2010, 15:23 BST
Updated 16th Feb 2010, 17:48 BST

A: If you’re looking for work it’s always a good idea to consider improving your job prospects through skills training. But you need to be aware that not all training courses deliver on their promises. Some are little more than scams and can leave you out of pocket and no better qualified than when you started.

Citizens Advice Bureaux have seen cases where people have paid course fees only to discover the college doesn’t exist, or goes bust, or can’t be contacted. In other cases the course or the qualifications promised fail to materialise. So it pays to do your homework before deciding.

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• Regardless of where you see an ad, whether it's in a newspaper or even in the job centre, it doesn't automatically mean it's bona fide - you still need to check it out for yourself. Remember official agencies can't vouch for courses you see advertised on their premises.

• Make sure you check the course is suitable and check the company or organisation offering it is bona fide before spending any money. Ask to see sample course materials, request references from satisfied students, and if a qualification is the selling point, check the course is accredited with the relevant body.

• Find out as much as you can about the course provider and make sure you have basic information like their address and landline phone number - check these are genuine before you go any further.

• Check up on their promises and don't sign up for a course on the spur of the moment. Read any contract carefully and insist on time to think about it before signing anything or handing over money.

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• Check written details of the cost of the course and your cancellation rights. If in doubt, get advice quickly as any cancellation rights will have a time limit.

For more information log on to www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact Newtownabbey CAB, Dunanney Centre, Rathcoole on 9085 2271 or 9085 2400, 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday, 5pm - 8pm Wednesday and 9am - 1pm Saturday.