able skills - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

pug74 · 19-04-2008

please could someone give me advice...

i have just completed a 6 week ica course with able skills... are they any good and would i know enough to go out and work for myself now

cheers

matt

Turkish · 19-04-2008

Hi mate, i did a plastering course there for a week and found it to be pretty good although i did labour for a plasterer friend after that for a while which certainly gave me more knowledge. I would say it depends alot on how confident a person you are anyway. I would imagine it gives you a good grounding to go out and start on your own and if you get stuck on something just log on here and ask away!!! Always people willing to help you on here

Turkish

Yorkie · 19-04-2008

Well after completing an accredited course you should definatley have the knowledge and practical know how for the trade. I'll be honest with you not everyones cut out for tiling for various reasons such as impatience, lack of concentration, personal skill levels, and quite frankly just not having the eye for it.
Only you and your tutor will really know if your good enough to now earn a living from what you have been taught as you will have had by no doubt assesments of your work during training. Best thing is to be Be honest with yourself and think about the work you have completed at the latter end of your course and ask yourself honestly if you would pay for the standard of work that you are currently capable of. If the answer is no don't waste money on advertising etc and definatley don't do any jobs with paying customers just yet as you will only end up with a bad reputation, if possible just put a little more practice in with family and freinds. But if the answer is yes then go for it and if its just a case of building up your confidence don't take on anything to big just stay with the smaller jobs for now. You would also benefit from contacting networking groups in your area such as the BNI you can find details through there website. This will help you with the interaction side while also building relationships with local businesses and you will find the confidence will come naturally.

All the best

Kenny

**365drills** · 19-04-2008

Is there anyone you can buddy-up with for a couple of months on jobs?

I just got back from walking about on the local building site and they have a few guys working for £60 a day but getting the confidence to do the work in company with a pro-tradesman.

Crap money yes. But any mistakes are quickly resolved onsite and they are getting experience.

**Dan** · 20-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by pug74

i have just completed a 6 week ica course with able skills... are they any good

You know more than us about that one Matt. Please leave them some feedback in the feedback forum. A quick review of each week would be super, but if you've not got time just a general run-down. It all helps future trainee's find the right centre.
www.tilersforums.co.uk/tiling-courses-feedback

I hear good things about Able Skills. One of the more established centre's and have always gone down the right training route.

As always though, you're running a business and not just tiling if you're to be going at it alone.

Tagging along with somebody will help get your practise up to speed, though many have took that last step alone and succeeded.