[PabloNeruda]

Hi guys. Are there any 1-day intensive courses for beginners that are held in the Essex or London area? Or anywhere in the southeast for that matter? On the BWCA site the only courses seem to be at Lyneham. Also, if anybody has been on one of these could you advise if they get you doing some ladder work, as I want to check I can handle working at  height etc before commiting to buy my equipment. Thanks in advance for any advice/info, much appreciated.

[Sir Squeaky]

Bwca?

Over to you David@st.ives.

They're your friends aren't they?

[PabloNeruda]

Is it just a sales exercise for supply companies? 
I really want some proper training before commiting myself, and a proper certificate would also help business I guess.
I'vealso  tried to get a windowcleaner to tag along with in essex/east london but with no luck so far.

[Moderator David@stives]

squeeky  ,  BEHAVE

[matt]

squeeky  ,  BEHAVE

is it true they have offered you a job as "head of marketting" for all the hard promo work you have done for them

[simbag]

Hi Pablo,

When I first started I had a quick cleaning lesson from a friend who also cleans locally.
But I decided to go on this course before staring out, to see what other possible tips and advice I could pick up.

I didn't realise there where so many things to think about, whether it be safety issues, choosing the right tools for the job, and obviously window cleaning techniques. I am pretty certain had I not gone on this course, I would not have picked up this techniques for quite some time. The techniques that I was taught, were nothing like that of my freind, and he'd been cleaning for about 5 years.

I'm not saying by any stretch of the imagination that you could not start out without doing this course. But, if you are new to this, then you will save yourself one hell of lot of time through not making mistakes that I'm sure a lot of us have made when first started out.

As far as ladder work goes, you are given advice on using ladders safely, but no actual practical ladder work takes place. You could ask tham of course, but I'm pretty sure that there is an insurance issue with that!

I hope that helps you make an informed decision.

Simon

[simbag]

Caustic,

I think you have made your views regarding this topic clear before now. Also as it seems you have never been to one of their courses, I'm not sure what basis you have for your arguement.

However, I also have not been to the wfp course, but the skills course, and it is those skills that I believe pablo is referring to. This is a course aimed at the beginner and seasoned pro alike, however I would think those new to the game, have a lot more to gain.

I don't think anybody is saying that you can't learn on the job, but the course for me was an eye opener, on certain aspects that I wouldn't have considered previously. Not only that, I know it has saved me time, and money through the advice that I've gained, therefore personally, a worthwhile course.

[Moderator David@stives]

There are snipets of the course  tonight on newsnight

dave

[Thecleanerservice]

Bird poo got some good media exposure tonight.
I understand all your comments about the course now David@St Ives etc.

[stevemc]

I sent 2 guys on a BWCA course last week they said it was really good and no one selling     anything.

[combat cleaning]

I have attended the BWCA course recently.
The knowledge which Craig Mawlam has and passes over is worth its weight in gold.
Its perhaps all the small tips and bits of information gained through years of experience that makes you faster and able to earn more.
No selling was pushed at us at all.
If considering training then its worth travelling to where the best training is.
Best of luck

[Moderator David@stives]

steve and chris

which course did you attend was ut the wfp or one of the others

dave

[stevemc]

one day skills course

I am just looking at buying a WFP system i have been in touch with omnipole today.

thanks steve

[combat cleaning]

One day skills course.
Although WFP has got to be the next one as its going to be the way of window cleaning.
I currently use a ettore pole with applicator and squeegee, works o.k.