Fiona Munro June 2024

The course has been a steep learning curve, but it is providing me with a lot on new skills which I will be able to use in the future. The environment has been very useful and has given me a solid practice base, with the instructors allowing me to make develop my own ways of working and using any mistakes as a tool to show how they are easily correctable. The instructors provide a relaxed adult environment and have supported me with my practical learning and by answering all of my questions.

Painting & Decorating16-19th January 2023

I thought the course was really good, and Richard is a cracking tutor: not only is he very good at what he does, and he explains it very clearly, he also has the patience of a saint! I am not the most practical person in the world, but I got exactly what I wanted out of the course. So I’d be very grateful if you would pass on my thanks please. And of course also to Tradeability.

To Janice and Lee,

Firstly, can I just thank you both for laying on this course but can I just say how beneficial it’s been in gaining the qualification. Having seen other plasterers and doing small jobs myself I thought it would be easy and I was doing everything right, Turns out I only knew how to do the mix and nothing else. This is the stepping stone I needed in setting me on the right path to start my venture in having/running my own plastering company.

The standard of instruction was second to none but also set at the right level across the board. I’m not saying I’m the best plasterer but feel in time my confidence will grow now I have completed the course. I’m already looking at the next course for tiling and more.

Feel free to have this on your review online and I am already recommending this to all my civilian/military friends.

Thanks again.

Regards

G.Wilmott
 
WO2 G Wilmott 

Steve Harrison August 2020

Trade-ability is great for all levels with excellent training at a pace all can manage. Leigh and janice help you with all your needs and really make you feel welcome. Don’t think about it just do it you will not regret it!

David Branton June 2019

Having just completed the week-long course in plumbing. I have learnt things things that I doubt I would of learnt in a month from other course providers. I highly recommend trade ability and I am already planning my next course

Androulla Kokkinou November 2018
Androulla Completed our Week tiling course to compliment the PLumbing NVQ L2 course she had started at college, while doing this course she decided to complete our Weekend plumbing course.
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything! Giving me the opportunity to get hands on and I’ve learnt a hell of a lot! 
I’d like you to thank Paul for me as well! He’s helped me massive amounts and helped me understand everything and answered all my questions. 

Thanks again! 
Androulla 

Anthony Kelly November 2018

I did a 7 week course as part of resettlement for leaving the army, learnt so much and gained confidence to be able to tackle jobs at home where previously i wouldn't have. highly recommend to anyone about to leave the forces.

Lee Foster September 2018

I completed the BTEC level 3 in Construction and the Build Enviroment a couple of weeks ago consisting of Block Paving, Plumbing, Plastering, Brick laying and Tiling. The course it's self was laid of perfectly and the Instructor Lee was always on hand to help and answer any questions I had. The course and Lee gave me the confidence and know how to tackle anything I came up against once I completed the course. Since then I've taken on several jobs for customers with great outcomes and with several more booked in for the next few weeks. would highly recommend this course to anybody who just wants to do it for them self or anybody wanting to make a career in this industry.

Gary Lambert  April 2018

Just finished the plastering course over 2 weekends.... 10 days ago I couldn't plaster... I would now tackle any room at home and be confident of getting a good result. Thanks to Lee

Benjamin Lee

I undertook the 4 day bricklaying course spread over two weekends. It was a great introduction to bricklaying and gave me the chance to build my confidence in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I would recommend this to anyone who is contemplating having a go at a few brickwork projects around the house and garden.

Carl Bacon

5star

Hi Leigh and Janice

Lisa completed our Weekend course on the 14th of June 2015

A former museum worker has swapped preservation for renovation by setting up a painter and decorator business.

From an Advertisement In The Newark Advertiser October 2013:

Liz Shutler, 46, used to work as a collections and learning officer at Millgate Museum, Newark, before taking voluntary redundancy when it closed and using the money to start her own business. 
After doing a trade course at Trade-Ability, Balderton, her business is now booming. 
Liz,decided on the career change because she had an interest in art and design. 
“I have always done my own decorating,” she said.  “However, it is something that many people want doing for them because they are perhaps a bit frightened of doing it themselves. 
“I put adverts out and got cards printed. It has been very busy.”
  Liz said she was pleased to be her own boss and following a vocation that was traditionally male-dominated.
  “There are a few women doing the job, but I think people do find it a bit of a novelty,” she said.  “People sometimes feel a bit more comfortable with a woman in the house.  “I thought most of my work might come from single ladies or older people, but it has been a real mixture.  “It is good to be doing something for yourself, and something where you can see the result. It has definitely made me more physically fit as well.  “As long as I am getting work I will keep doing it.”

Alyn Coward Competed courses in August 2012

I have just completed courses in plastering and tiling at Trade-Ability and I cannot praise them enough. The structure of these courses were perfect for my needs. When initially researching possible courses some time ago, it seemed as though some involved hours of study on the chemical composition of cement/plaster etc which is fine I guess but not really necessary. What drew me to Trade-Ability was the fact that they were pretty much completely practical, ‘hands-on’ courses.

Tim Steer  attended our courses in November 2011

Well its been a year since my 3 courses with you guys and just to let you know everything went brilliantly. I completed on that bungalow I was trying to buy on the 23rd December, put my new skills to use in January, renovated it in 9 weeks, accepted an offer on it 7 weeks later and it completed 24th June. 6 months beginning to end! £3000 refurb costs, did all the work myself and made £42500 profit. You guys saved me a fortune. Each course paid itself back 10 times over.

David Mottram, RAF, Attended our 5 Day Bricklaying, Plumbing and Plastering course in September 2012



Gary Woodbridge, attended our weekend Plumbing course in March 2012

I have already repaired a leak at my rental house and am on my

third kitchen rip out which include first fix plumbing. I also have

another 3 rip outs scheduled one with a radiator move as well.

With my initial 3 jobs the course has already paid for itself

so everything else now is profit!

Thank You........

Adam Wilson, RAF, attended Plumbing Febuary 2012

"I walked in with very limited knowledge of Plumbing systems and I am now diagnosing friends plumbing problems. Loads of practical hands on experience and extremely useful theory".

Celia Botham, Head Teacher, attended a Weekend Tiling course October 2011

"Short course at weekend fitted in with work commitments"

Would recomend Trade-Ability because "clear instructions and ongoing help enabled me to learn a new skill, friendly and supportive ethos, patient instructor was very approachable, and able to work at your own pace."

Stephen Crowson, Self employed Landscaper, attended Bricklaying December 2011

"Just come along and surprise yourself with what you can actually achieve in such a short time."

Al Davidson,  October 2011Royal Navy
Many thanks for the last 3 weeks, I have really enjoyed the courses. Your friendly and relaxed approach to the course made a warm welcome to the whole experience. I also really enjoyed janice's cakes (shame I didn't get any fruit cake but I understand), they went down well with all them cups of tea. I hope things go well in the future for Trade-Abilty, as Iwould expect.  Once again, many many thanks for your courses. All the best.  

Linda Bramar Organisation & Administration Manager

attended Weekend Tiling October 2011.

"Hands on training at its best! very easy going atmosphere. First class trainers. Women should not be afraid. Learn from your mistakes while training. Instructor answers any questions and steers you in the right direction.  Keep up the good work!! I will be back! look out bricklaying here I come."

Will Price - Plumber- attended Plastering May 2011 
Chose Trade-Ability as it was local and well priced 
"I would recommend Trade-Ability because it is very well taught, you learn very quickly and really achieve something. I've learn't a masive amount in 4 days i've been on the course and am massively confident in my plastering ability."

Nathan Rose- an Electrician from Nottingham attended Plastering & Tiling Nov 2010 
When asked if he would recommend Trade-Ability "Yes , Very good instructor, shocked by the quality of my plastering after just 4 days. Freindly / Helpful
good environment & small group is a huge benefit. I'm confident I can go out and start plastering as a career. 

Lee Hall- Army - attended Bricklaying, Plastering, Block Paving, May 2011 
Found out about Trade-Ability through word of mouth
Chose Trade-Ability as it "offered the right pitch of skills sought" Would recommend courses "due to informal training, gives a good base knowledge, lots of hands on, well run with small groups, so focus is very much on the students and Leigh gives direction frequently as required."

Pete Morris, November 2011 RAF Digby
Just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the courses.  I've had a brilliant  time and really learnt loads which is primarily down to you Leigh, being a fantastic instructor with loads of patience and encouragement to push us to have a go. If time permits with regards to my future work committments, I would love to come back again and have a bash at something else, but until then I wish you all the best for the future and be sure I will have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone else.

Kirsty Westle - Mother - attended Plumbing and Tiling course Sept 2010 
"affordable price, location to me" " I would definately recommend to anyone, especially ladies! Very patient, straight forward explanations.-loved it!!- learnt loads. 

Andy Robinson

Just a quick e-mail to say how much I have enjoyed the Plastering, Tiling, Bricklaying & Plumbing courses which I have undertaken with Trade-Ability over the past few months as part of my resettlement package/grant, before I retire from the RAF early next year. 
All the courses were conducted in a friendly environment and were well taught by the Instructors (Leigh, John, Ray & Alan) who took the time to explain trade practices and pass on many very helpful tricks of the trade; which was exactly what I was after to give me the confidence, level of knowledge and skills to undertake the many basic / DIY refurbishment and improvement jobs I intend to undertake in my own house (and garden), over the next 6-months. 

Peter Hainsworth, October 2011 Station Warrant Officer, RAF Coningsby
I chose 3 courses, plastering, plumbing and bricklaying, at Trade Ability as part of my resettlement based upon word of mouth and checking out the website. The fact that the courses were local and great value for money helped me confirm that this was the company I wanted to use. Day one of all of the courses was spent with a bit of Admin and then straight into hands-on practical exercises. Mainly working in teams of 2 the small course sizes enabled the instructors (Leigh or John) to keep an eye on everyones progress no matter how slow or fast that person progressed. By the end of day 3 we were all well on our way to getting to grips with the basics of the task at hand and had covered all the main areas of that particular specialisation. Day 4 was spent putting all that knowledge into final projects with the instructors filling in the last bits and pieces of knowledge we would need when out there all alone. They answered any questions anyone had and provided advice on areas we had not specifically covered. All in all these courses gave me the confidence and skills to attack any jobs around the house and to even offer assistance to other friends and neighbours should they need it. I would, and have, recommended Trade Ability to anyone looking to enhance their practical skills for around the home or small business.


Wing Commander John Hallwood RAF 

As part of my resettlement from the RAF I attended the courses in plumbing, bricklaying and plastering provided by Mr Leigh Sanders of Trade-Ability. My intention was to hone my plumbing skills and, more significantly, learn how to lay bricks and plaster to an acceptable DIY standard. The courses more than achieved those goals. Indeed the high standard of the instruction was evidenced by the fact that the courses were attended by a substantial number of students that were already accomplished as artisans in other trades and who were there to add to their portfolio of marketable skills. I was particularly impressed by the patience of the instructors and their ability to draw out the best in all the students despite us all developing at widely varied rates. 
Overall I was very impressed with the facilities, the standard of all the courses and the reasonable cost. I now feel more than competent to do work in all 3 disciplines not only for myself but also for other people on a small-scale commercial basis. I whole-heartedly recommend Trade-Ability.