Hello

[kurtkwondo]

When I purchased the course I was told the nearest training centre was in birmingham which is over 30 miles from me , from the get go I was aware I would have to travel and the gentlemen who sold me the course said that expenses and travel could be reimbursed and I was issued the vouchers.

[Amethyst]

I've not heard of vouchers before. Do they have terms on them ? Entitling you to travel and accommodation expenses ? Does it say you can't claim until the course in completed ?

Benchmark aren't a training provider. Your practical training is ERR ltd but the theory side is through BrightSparks ( Marlborough ) and of course the overall qualification is through Marlborough - examining / awarding body City & Guilds ? Benchmark obtain an extension of the course with the original provider, so it should be an extension of the same terms., Although the website says it's a contract with benchmark ... so it really needs clarifying ....



Website quote....


BMS sources excess training capacity from recognised training providers, and where possible the same provider with which the student has an existing relationship. There is no charge by the training provider, and only a one-off administration fee [£250.00 inc VAT] payable to BMS.

Our aim is to provide an opportunity for selected students that have run into time difficulties, often through no fault of their own, to complete their course during a further fixed period under a contract with BMS.

[kurtkwondo]

Just an update for anyone who could be interested.

I contacted consumer advice and they believed I did have reason to dispute the contract as given the information provided I and they believe i was sold this service with misleading information and not issued my copy of the "agreement".

I was informed to write a formal letter and state that Bright Sparks had breached the contract under the common law legislation again giving all the information related to my issue.

Though personally all I want is to finish my course with out paying anymore money I was informed that I could request a full refund as it was a breach of contract.

I explained that i just dont want to pay anymore and finish so I was advised just to claim expenses for damages (which would be any further cost) for breach of contract.

The company have also been reported to trading standards and an investigation has been started.

Hope this helps anyone in the same/similar situation and I will keep posting until I have an outcome.

[Amethyst]

If you want to get out and not complete the course due to the issues with being stopped from completing within the three years and obtain a refund then yes you need to write to them as consumer helpline have said.

Re the agreement not being provided you want http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2.../contents/made

Misrep and service not provided etc you want
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/...ntents/enacted

Did you check through the qualifications ?

[kurtkwondo]

Yes I did thankyou! Everything that you mentioned I do gain but its the the level 3 (fully qualified) I was expecting , I do have literature from them stating what I actually get so no argument there. Should of read the brochure properly. Along with the registration form but you do think the "professional" Sales person who visits your home would know all you need to know.

I have done quite a lot more digging and discovered that this is far more wide spread that I first thought.

Please remove if not allowed but here is a link to a lot more testimonials that wont appear in a google search:

https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk...eedback.11027/

Some of the feedback is worrying as a lot of them have not been able to get their money back but the volume of people with complaints to this company is seriously unnerving. There has been talk that they appeared on watchdog in 2008 and yet are still allowed to trade though the company has changed names numerous times. If i find a link I will post if allowed

Hundreds feel they have been mis-sold/made to sign with misleading information so I feel there is hope as surely the amount of people falling for the same "scam" as it has been mentioned must ring alarm bells somewhere.

[Amethyst]

It's okay, the background is well known here xxx