37 replies to this topic

[Richard H]

To be fair, the BPA course has been greatly improved recently and it is now recognised by City & Guilds as a workplace qualification. I sat this course only a couple of weeks ago and I took some useful information away from it, so on that basis I felt it delivered its aims well. Either course will stand you in good stead in my opinion. Any training is better than none, provided it is delivered by experienced instructors, and is tailored towards the specific needs of the attendees.

[martyn]

...and is tailored towards the specific needs of the attendees.

Well that rules out bpa then 

Not a lot of room for tailoring. powerpoints have to be downloaded prior to course from website and delivered exactly as is. Exam has to be on the 3rd sunday of the month or some such rule.

I've done bpa since it's been accredited by C and G also. I agree it was heaps better than when I did bpa1, but considering the standing, experience and knowledge of the movers and shakers at the bpa I was disappointed with the content.

I did learn a lot from the course, but it's fair to say this was mostly from the chatting and discussion with other attendees on the course, rather than from the specific course material.

It is still basically  Kosanke's book,transferred to powerpoint, albeit now with some of the US- isms removed. Photos and videos still appalling. 

And don't get me started on some of the exam questions!!

I think we will have to agree to disagree here.

 

.

[Richard H]

Bearing in mind the firer's course is aimed at helpers or freelancers with potentially little or even no prior existing knowledge, I don't think it does a bad job. The senior firer's course is probably more appropriate for many of us who are actively involved in display work throughout the year, or even running our own companies. The Illuminate course is in my opinion more geared towards those who are looking to setup a display business - again as I said, which course depends largely on the needs of the attendees.

[Bob Twells]

If it ends up being BPA I would be interested, assuming our version will also be C&G recognised. I did the IC one way back but always keen to refresh or try an alternative.

[Sparky]

Likewise, BPA is good for me. 

[pyrotrev]

I don't think I would be to fussed if it wasn't BPA - from what people are saying the IC course actually teaches you more, and I for one wouldn't mind my lads being basically equipped to do a show on their own if need be. Also, am I not right in thinking that the IC course is one day, whereas the BPA is 2? - if so it would save on accomodation.

Edited by pyrotrev, 10 May 2013 - 08:06 PM.

[pyrotrev]

Sorry, board going crazy - wouldn't accept post then shows up four 

Edited by pyrotrev, 10 May 2013 - 08:31 PM.

[phildunford]

IC will tailor it to our requirements if we can fill a course - at least they have previously.

 

The theory now takes up a day - we have sometimes done a second 'practical' day, but this is probably of no great benefit to those who have already fired or taken part in a pro show...

 

Will contact Illuminate this week & see what they can offer us.

[digger]

I am hearing on the grape vine that a certain insurer does not take BPA 1 as suitable training to be able to provide insurance, however IC course is OK.

 

Take that to mean what ever you wish.

 

D

Edited by digger, 11 May 2013 - 07:41 PM.

[phildunford]

OK folks – I have some definite dates.

 

 

I have provisionally arranged a course with Illuminate Consult for Saturday July 27^th. This is their one day ‘Competant Person’ course covering current legislation. It is approved by Roy Musk Insurance.

 

The cost is £110 + £25 for the exam. UKPS will give a £10 discount to paid up members.

 

It will be held at their Runcorn Headquarters:

 

6 Harrow Drive
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 5RG

 

– this saves us the bother and cost of booking a venue Etc.

 

The course is exclusively for us, so Illuminate can tailor it to suit our particular requirements.

 

I would warn potential students that this is not a course where you get a ‘pass’ for turning up. It’s a real exam and you can fail it. However, don’t let that put you off – I think it makes it all the more valid. If you do fail, you can retake the exam another time.

 

I need confirmation ASAP – please message me if you want to come. We need 10 people and if we go ahead, I would like your fees by the start of July.

Edited by phildunford, 21 May 2013 - 09:43 AM.

[megabusa]

Could be bad timing Phil.

It's the same day as Paul (PDC) is competing in the MLE firework championships at Broughton Hall.

Edited by megabusa, 22 May 2013 - 10:12 PM.

[phildunford]

Well, lets see who we get - if we don't get 10 or so it's not happening anyway.

 

Any day you choose will always be bad for someone.

[Sparky]

I'm in!