I'm due to start a training course which requires me to pay 拢3500 upfront and am wondering...........?

How to check the background of the company(locksmiths) so I don't get robbed.(If I pay by credit card instead of switch it costs me and extra 5%).Thanks in advance.

Some of these are legit - some are cons.

things to check:
companies house - pay the 拢10 to see their accounts and credit records - if they are a ltd co... if not.. DO NOT GO NEAR THEM
ask for 10 reference - people that have prev undertaken training with them - at least 1 should be in traveling distance. then phone at least half and arrange a visit with one. ask lots and questions...

Paying by credit card wil at least provide payment protection - if it is a con you can get your money back.

does the course fee include all books and tools? or do you need to buy them in addition?
what about accomodation costs or is the distance learning - if distance learning - stay away - being a lock smith is a SKILL and requires practice.

good luck what ever your decision

remember - having the skills is one thing - sales and marketing are another - how many lock smiths are ther in your area? is there room for another?

check it out CAB.

Avoid the company. There are plenty of (UK) training providers offering this type of course without expecting the whole amount up front

thats seems a little steep to me, i'd be tempted to say its a con. The company should pay all training fees anyway, not the employees. even if you have to pay it back to the company. so there is no way you would have to pay that amount up front.

trust me - its a con.

Sounds like a scam to me - avoid it.

Three and a half grand is a lot to lose as this sounds a bit dodgy.
You need to check out this company, on-line would be easiest, if the company exist then go for it.
Personally i would steer well clear.

dont to it,,,its a scam...the money??any company would not do it...拢3500..YOU MUST NOT DO IT..HONESTLY,MARY.C.

check with the local trading standards - postcode search on www.tradingstandards.gov.uk. You might also ask the Police, they must know about dodgy locksmiths

See if the DFES knows about them, check colleges on their website.

Check it via a web search engine - you may find comments fromm other students

Firstly I think you have to look for other people who have been on the course. What are they offering and how will it acheive your goal? Even if you pay the price it does not guarenttee business success, it probably just gives you a course certificate to use in the future. So you have to ask what value is it to you.

This is a lot of money! Are the accredited trainers? Do they offer a recognised qualification? Generally this sort of money is asked for finacial qulaification courses. Anything else, even IT is a lot less than this.

Sounds iffy! ask then if you can pay in installments, if they say no, then thats what you say....NO!