Thanks s , I did wonder if the college of trades was a step more than I needed to take ! I have to say its a lot easier to get into the trade and get qualified in the UK . You join a company do your 4 years training ( plus block release in tech college if your an apprentice ) you write up examples of work as you go and at the end your write ups are assessed by an independent and they may ask a few verbal questions on what you have written up. That's it. When you move companies rarely do they ask yo see your qualifications etc... At least not in the old days when everyone knew everyone in the trade . Guess the difference is the lack of a proper union in the UK ..nothing like a 'bench' or union school .
