Skillnet Ltd. - Watford

Jack W.

Recently passed my apprenticeship here but overall the course provided was very lacking. When we first started the facilities were still being built with none of the relevant equipment provided, as well as changing skills coaches and trainers far too often. We were then moved to a new facility which had some of the equipment we required but still lacked some essential pieces of equipment which we were only provided with at the dying end of our course. Any complaints or feedback we gave rarely had anything done about it. The quality of the training wasn't great, both from having a fast turnover of staff meaning we almost had a new trainer every time we had a new college block and them not having a full understanding of how to use the equipment. On a positive note, Paul Gooding was my skills coach for the last half of my apprenticeship and was very supportive and did whatever he could to help us at all times.

James H.

I started my level 3 motor vehicle technician qualification in 2019 at the Henry Ford Academy and I've just had confirmation that I've passed on my first attempt.

I am an older than average apprentice at 34 and the journey has been beyond magnificent thanks to Skillnet, my skills coach Carl Horne and of course the incredible tutor team down at Henry Ford Academy namely Michael Husband, Nathaniel Taylor, William McIlwraith and Dave Bird. Right up to my test day these gentlemen have been there for me - for us through thick and thin, really going above and beyond, often staying late to make sure the knowledge became OUR knowledge and ultimately delivering an outstanding course second to none. I cannot thank these fine chaps enough for something that really has changed my life for the better.

"Not all heroes wear capes".

Thank you so much, all of you. I will never forget this journey.

All the very best,

James.

Tawheed A.

I was on my final year of Level 3 HGV for DAF as an apprentice, I left because I realised HGV wasn’t for me But the reason for the 3 stars was my depot was amazing and also Andy falls was a great coach but unfortunately for Andy though, Skillnet was a joke of a training provider and same with DAF apprentice college, I was 23 at the time and the way the college treats you is baffling, I understand you will have 16-20 yr olds who act like kids but it doesn’t mean you have to treat all the students the same, the college tutors they know they’re stuff and they were really helpful and I can’t argue with that but when it came with accommodation for the students, Skillnet was responsible for and I was messed about several times with my accommodation, it was poor management and organisation.

Callum 1.

I’ve been with Skillnet for 7 months and all the staff are very nice and helpful. They have made me feel welcomed and comfortable. My apprenticeship course is going really well and my skills coach has been teaching me well on my customer service course. The additional learning support coaches are brilliant because they support learners with learning support needs, as a apprentice with learning difficulties the ALS have arranged support in some of my work so I can understand and process everything better.

Ella M. P.

I personally believe that Jose has been extremely helpful throughout this application for the apprenticeship. He has phoned to ensure the information has been given fast so I can move forward as quickly as possible, he has also made these phone calls professional but also so I feel comfortable enough so I can ask questions as and when needed without any hesitation. I appreciate all the help so far and look forward to hearing from him in the future.

R M.

I would like to thank The Entire Skillnet Team in Watford from the bottom of my Heart for always believing in me and supporting me throughout my Light Vehicle Apprenticeship, i could not have been at a better Training Academy.

Everyone at Skillnet was very helpful, kind and supportive every step of the way.

Again Thank you so much for everything

Raf

G

I am very impressed with skillnets communication. I applied and got a phonecall the same day. Compared with other apprenticeships I could be waiting weeks or months for a phone call. I understand how busy the role will be but I wouldn't expect it to take months for a reply. That's why I was very impressed when Jose range me on the same day. Jose is very friendly and reassuring. Sometimes phone calls like these can be really formal and stressing but with Jose it's very relaxed and joyous. Jose is a credit to the team. When I was completing the skillnet application I ran into a problem where I couldn't log onto the skillsforward website to complete the maths and English assessments however I rang skillsnet and they were very helpful and kind. I'm very pleased with the speed this process has been going. I applied and got a phone call from Jose to complete the skillsnet application and then the maths and English assessments then we arranged for the next day to complete the mechanical assessment. It was the agreed that Jose would send my CV to the employer and contact me the next week. I just had a phone call and was extremely impressed with Jose's knowledge of the apprenticeship. He is very supportive and reassuring. No matter what question I would ask Jose would get me the answer. The service has been outstanding. Compared to the service of other apprenticeships I've applied for this is by far the best. I'm really impressed. I don't want to sound as though everything needs to be done instantly because I understand that it would be very busy but it's nice to get updates of the progress like Jose did today. A very amazing service. Absolutely outstanding. Well done Jose!!

brandon C.

+-Sent out apprentice here to gain his qualifications to become a mechanic, in June this year he took his end point assessment & passed with flying colours. only for him to be approached 2 weeks later by the college offering him a job as a skills coach !!!!!!. We have now lost a valuable member of staff who we have invested a large amount of time & energy into , who openly admitted to the college that he has done so well purely from what he has learnt in our garage as apposed to the college.
ITS A DISGRACE !!!! THAT A COLLEGE THINKS THIS IS ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR , THEY ARE UNPROFFESIONAL & DISORGANISED