Advent Computer Training (Barclays Partner Finance)Info and discussion thread

[Beedles6]

evening all,

 

Have been watching the thread now since the start of this whole mess and must say thanks to all people that has been digging around after info and posting it for all people to see, its been very helpful.

 

Got my BPF letter today, called Computeach just to see how they were intending to furfill my contract and continue the training, passed over my student no. to be told yes you can continue the training but alternative funding will need to be found to continue!!!

 

So on the phone to BPF, told them the convo with Computeach, lady said,

no thats not right, you have paid us the money, this being £4750.00 before interest and that they should fufill the contract??? What!!! the contracts with you!!! confused!!! Sent the info into the complaints depo at barclays partner finance and we will look into it, yeah when you can be arsed.

 

though im not aware if most of you know this but computeach are evaluating each student under the start/end dates on the advent contract, mine ending on the 4/02/2010, even so advent went bust on the 27/01/2010, so yes youve found a new provider but still breached the contract on the 27/02/2010, so if i am to decline computeach, which damn right i am, have they still actively breached the contract still or have i by declining it??? as no where in the advent contract or BPF says this has to be excepted.

 

Im stuyding the Master CIW Website designer course and was told that the course consisted of the following elements: XHTML, CSS, HTML, DREAMWEAVER, FLASH amd FIREWORKS. Is any one studying the same course under advent and does computeach offer the same in there studys for the CIW program?? if not isnt this a clear cut breach of contract by BPF and the supposed tweaking of Consumer credit act by them to supposedly HELP us?

 

Sorry if repeating previous questions have read the thread since pg 61.

 

Very interested now in a4rons solicitor, can anyone who is dealing with him post developments to see if its worthwhile to forward details onto him?? its getting to the point now as ive said to myself since the start, this is going to be settled in court.

 

fuzzbutt great letter, direct and all true. is it ok that i not carbon copy your letter but try to taylor it around my own circumstances then sent it away??

 

if this is true and they are putting a time scale on people my advent contract has no end date and the sales guy told me the was no time scale to finish the course you could do at your own pace so an end date is a clear breech of contract is it not.

[lc1989]

if this is true and they are putting a time scale on people my advent contract has no end date and the sales guy told me the was no time scale to finish the course you could do at your own pace so an end date is a clear breech of contract is it not.

 

people like myself though with that in writing saying end date eg. in my case; 04/02/2010 where does that leave us cus that more or less saying that its you word against the tw*tin sales rep. blantent mis-selling but can this be proven??

[a4ron]

Guys,

 

i'm glad this is helps.

 

I was told when I spoke to the solicitor that i had a strong case, and a fair point for requesting my money back.

 

I dont know the in'-and-out's of everyone's case, but i expect that they are similar so we all have a chance!

 

I dont know if they have a limit to the total number of people they will represent, they may break them-up into fixed groups; i'm not sure.. Lets leave that for them to worry about, at they end of the day, they are still a business, who would turn away work?

They are quite a large firm so i think they can handle a few more cases yet!

 

Keep sending them in guys.....

[panliberski]

my spam filter works just fine - it sent the e-mail from computeach straight to junk folder

[Beedles6]

people like myself though with that in writing saying end date eg. in my case; 04/02/2010 where does that leave us cus that more or less saying that its you word against the tw*tin sales rep. blantent mis-selling but can this be proven??

 

was your contract also signed by an advent official i.e the sales guy.

[mantaxi]

just read a4rons post. i am one of the eleven and i think all of you should email the solicitor and join the fight. as a4ron says don't talk to computeach or bpf let the solicitor do the work. got more chance with him than on you own. at least you will know something is being down about the situation. any information that we get about ct can be sent to the solicitors which might help him make a cast iron case against bpf.

Edited April 1, 2010 by MARTIN3030
see explanation

[lc1989]

was your contract also signed by an advent official i.e the sales guy.

 

No, nothing on there at all. Only my signature. i was visited by Peter Moore of VOX Industrial technologies, there is a signature on the green part of my agreement but not by him dated 30/01/2008. alarm bells did kind of ring when i though to myself why on earth is a company director coming to my house selling me an IT course, should of followed my thoughts.

[Bluedo]

IC1989

 

ou will cover various packages and programmes during the course, DreamWeaver, Flash, Fireworks etc. You learn this in a simulated online environment. i.e. You can log into the software online and learn how to use it, without actually having to purchase it yourself.

 

The workshop days are completely optional. They are there as an additional support measure for those students who need it.

 

We provide you with software that allows you to take practice/mock exams all the way through your programme. Before you go in for your ‘real’ exam you will take an official online mock exam where the results come to ourselves. Should you pass that, we book you in for the real one. We set a passmark of 90% for this, which is higher than you will need for your actual exam. The reason for this is we want you to be totally confident that you will pass when you go in for your exam. Historically we have an 85% first time pass rate. That has increased since we introduced this system.

 

At the end of the 12 months, if you have not completed your studies you can extend your training at that time. You do not have to subscribe for another full 12 months, you would continue on a month to month basis until you have completed it. Obviously we encourage you to maintain your studies so that you don’t pay any more than you need too.

 

If you fail an exam, we don’t cover resits unfortunately. However, with the system we have above, that shouldn’t cause you any problems as we want you to pass first time!

 

With regards to the careers department, we can’t guarantee you an actual job as we are not the company that will be employing you. We can guarantee to get you interviews lined up however.

 

This email Fuzzbutt got from CT in answer to his queries go back couple pages here to see all of it

[lc1989]

IC1989

 

ou will cover various packages and programmes during the course, DreamWeaver, Flash, Fireworks etc. You learn this in a simulated online environment. i.e. You can log into the software online and learn how to use it, without actually having to purchase it yourself.

 

The workshop days are completely optional. They are there as an additional support measure for those students who need it.

 

We provide you with software that allows you to take practice/mock exams all the way through your programme. Before you go in for your ‘real’ exam you will take an official online mock exam where the results come to ourselves. Should you pass that, we book you in for the real one. We set a passmark of 90% for this, which is higher than you will need for your actual exam. The reason for this is we want you to be totally confident that you will pass when you go in for your exam. Historically we have an 85% first time pass rate. That has increased since we introduced this system.

 

At the end of the 12 months, if you have not completed your studies you can extend your training at that time. You do not have to subscribe for another full 12 months, you would continue on a month to month basis until you have completed it. Obviously we encourage you to maintain your studies so that you don’t pay any more than you need too.

 

If you fail an exam, we don’t cover resits unfortunately. However, with the system we have above, that shouldn’t cause you any problems as we want you to pass first time!

 

With regards to the careers department, we can’t guarantee you an actual job as we are not the company that will be employing you. We can guarantee to get you interviews lined up however.

 

This email Fuzzbutt got from CT in answer to his queries go back couple pages here to see all of it

 

Thanks just had quick read through and had to laugh. if barclays see all the above as THE SAME OR BETTER than advent then they have a fight on there case as this clear as day says breach on contract. Not one thing listed is the same as what advent was offering, do these idiots at barclays enjoy the phone calls and letters. sit thinking now they are trying to take us all for fools and are just looking at this and laughing. more ammo though to back the case. thanks again:D

[mantaxi]

Guys,

 

i'm glad this is helps.

 

I was told when I spoke to the solicitor that i had a strong case, and a fair point for requesting my money back.

 

I dont know the in'-and-out's of everyone's case, but i expect that they are similar so we all have a chance!

 

I dont know if they have a limit to the total number of people they will represent, they may break them-up into fixed groups; i'm not sure.. Lets leave that for them to worry about, at they end of the day, they are still a business, who would turn away work?

They are quite a large firm so i think they can handle a few more cases yet!

 

Keep sending them in guys.....

 

this is great news a4ron you have done a good job in getting the solicitor to act on our behalf. quite surprised only 11 of us took up the offer, can't see any other way to get our money back bpf might be laughing now but who laughs last laughs longest. come on you guys email the solicitor and laugh olong with us.

[hateadvent]

Hi, Some things Advent promised us..... So Computeach need to do the same if we are to even think about joining them... Hope this helps.

 

Support:

· Tutor Support by telephone and email

· 16 days of classroom based workshops

· Additional learning materials on CD

· Comprehensive Study materials supplied

· 3 years support

 

 

Promises in brochure: ‘Advent Computer Training wake up to a brighter future’

 

 

Quote One on finding us a Job: (under ‘Who Are Advent?’)

 

‘Unlike many training providers, at Advent we don’t just train people. Our in-house career development services helps students to find a job in IT once they have gained their first certification’

 

 

Quote Two for unlimited time: (under ‘Individual Support’)

 

‘ Every Advent student receives individual support to help them progress through the course at their own pace’

 

 

Quote Three for updating their course: (under ‘Individual Support’)

 

‘To make sure our courses are always relevant to the needs of the industry, we constantly monitor development within the IT sector and update programmes where necessary’

 

 

Quote Four for self paced study time: (Under ‘Training’)

 

‘Advent Computer Training has developed a flexible, effective learning system that combines self-paced study with classroom-based workshops and individual monitoring to help every student reach their ultimate goal of starting a career in IT’

 

 

Quote Five for not paying for failed exams and passing in your own time unlimited time: (under ‘Workshops’)

 

‘We also help students to prepare for exams right from the outset, with award winning exam preparation software and tests forming an essential part of every training course. Students don’t even have to pay for failed exams and can retake in their own time’

 

 

Quote Six for Helping us find a job (Under ‘Career Development Services’)

 

‘At Advent, we don’t just train people, we actually help them achieve their ambition to find a job in IT. Our in house career development services – Advent Careers – provide students with really practical help on every aspect of finding a job’

 

 

Quote Seven on finding us a job (Under ‘Major Employers’)

 

‘We work with major employers of IT staff – companies like PC World, Norwich Union, Fujitsu and Nokia and hundreds of smaller employers around the country, to find jobs for our students’

[Mustard2243]

Probably they really should have let us contact computeach, I am not verifying anything.

[lc1989]

Hi, Some things Advent promised us..... So Computeach need to do the same if we are to even think about joining them... Hope this helps.

 

Support:

· Tutor Support by telephone and email

· 16 days of classroom based workshops

· Additional learning materials on CD

· Comprehensive Study materials supplied

· 3 years support

 

 

Promises in brochure: ‘Advent Computer Training wake up to a brighter future’

 

 

 

Quote One on finding us a Job: (under ‘Who Are Advent?’)

 

‘Unlike many training providers, at Advent we don’t just train people. Our in-house career development services helps students to find a job in IT once they have gained their first certification’

 

 

Quote Two for unlimited time: (under ‘Individual Support’)

 

‘ Every Advent student receives individual support to help them progress through the course at their own pace’

 

 

Quote Three for updating their course: (under ‘Individual Support’)

 

‘To make sure our courses are always relevant to the needs of the industry, we constantly monitor development within the IT sector and update programmes where necessary’

 

 

Quote Four for self paced study time: (Under ‘Training’)

 

‘Advent Computer Training has developed a flexible, effective learning system that combines self-paced study with classroom-based workshops and individual monitoring to help every student reach their ultimate goal of starting a career in IT’

 

 

Quote Five for not paying for failed exams and passing in your own time unlimited time: (under ‘Workshops’)

 

‘We also help students to prepare for exams right from the outset, with award winning exam preparation software and tests forming an essential part of every training course. Students don’t even have to pay for failed exams and can retake in their own time’

 

 

Quote Six for Helping us find a job (Under ‘Career Development Services’)

 

‘At Advent, we don’t just train people, we actually help them achieve their ambition to find a job in IT. Our in house career development services – Advent Careers – provide students with really practical help on every aspect of finding a job’

 

 

Quote Seven on finding us a job (Under ‘Major Employers’)

 

‘We work with major employers of IT staff – companies like PC World, Norwich Union, Fujitsu and Nokia and hundreds of smaller employers around the country, to find jobs for our students’

 

Hi, Thanks for finding all that info, great ammo in the battle for declining Computeach. Where did you get all that information from? only asking as we may need to quote back to it in the future???

[MARTIN3030]

Guys-Cag is a free site and we encourage and support members to deal with issues where possible without the need to line Solicitors pockets.

No one has asked for permission to post the links to the solicitors we have seen,and it is against site rules.

I understand completely your frustrations but please consider that we have NEVER allowed links to solicitors and so dont want to start now.

There is a suggestion that there is a charge of £200 for a prelim letter-which while it may sound reasonable-goes against the spirit of CAG-I have no doubt that you will get a prelim letter here which will cost nothing,and be available to all.In fact I have been collating info with the intention of liasing with our team to offer one.

 

Its also unfair to those who cannot afford to be approaching a solicitor,who may feel this is their only way.

 

I acknowledge that there has been a request for CAG to support a legal route and a firm of Solicitors has been mentioned-I asked for further info and as yet that has not been forthcoming.

It seems that we have a number of different groups seeking to initiate a course of action by using a third party-and as you will appreciate this is extremely difficult to reconcile with the main body of Students who are seeking a resolution or way forward.

 

Can I ask that those who have joined a group that has proposed action or those who have taken individual action to send the details via the report triangle-so we know exactly where we are.Anyone wanting to post links to solicitors or legal sources should first seek permission from the site Admin team.This is in everyones interest-CAG is as eager to see resolution and justice for all those affected as everyone !!

 

Thanks for understanding.

[Turfs75]

Got the same computeach email. Really not happy with having to travel to dudley to sit exams. i have an exam center in the city where i live in southampton. After reading all the complaints about computeach from there own students, i really don't want to go with them. just want a refund so i can continue on my own. This has really stressed me out to the point of breaking. got an appointment with the docs its got so bad. Ready to fight BPF all the way, i'm livid how they've treated me and made me feel. I really not happy with the advent rep who lied to me. if i ever see that **** again i'll use his body parts as a PC desk!

 

Martin what further info do you need?

[danton2002]

I have just contacted Computeach on 08009885970 and was told that they're still waiting on student files so can't tell me much information about the replacement training at the moment. The assistant told me that whatever was in my original contact would be carried over to Computeach and that this would include free retakes etc (Im guessing this is a lie!?!).

 

I was studying the MCSE with Advent and my contract was supposed to end in July so Barclays have decided to be generous and offer me 3 months extension even though i spent most of the course time trying to get Advent to even arrange for me to attend workshops.

 

As with everyone else im sick and ****ed off with this and just want a refund and therefore willing to do whatever it takes.

[Cadarn]

Hello all, I have been following this thread since that fateful email dropped into my inbox!

Firstly let me pay tribute to those who have put in so much time and effort to help others try and bring about a satifactory conclusion to this situation.

About me:

I signed up with Advent (July '07) in order to complete MCSE track. I have almost completed the course have received about 90% of the training offered.

I know I have been far luckier than some:

 

• I signed an open ended contract with Advent
  
• I have never had an issue with Advent customer service
  
• I took out a loan with Clydesdale (later taken over by Barclays), and paid it off before silly interest kicked in
  
• I reckon I am at most £500 out of pocket
  
• When I have needed help from "Mentor" at Advent, I always received prompt and effective support.
  
• In short I had absolutely no complaints about Advent whatsoever!!!
  

This got me thinking:

As I have have received the best possible support from Advent, passed all my exams first time (in some cases barely), my expectations of what is "equivalent or better" standards might be higher than others! ;-)

 

I have contacted CT as directed by BPF, one of their consultants is going to contact me, we will discover whether I will receive equivalent or better service!

 

Keep up the good work!

[MARTIN3030]

"Martin what further info do you need?"

 

Just need to be up to speed with those who have subscribed to litigation with sols-and details of who they are etc.

 

Its become difficult to keep abreast of.

I have even had emails from people using real names and I cannot reconcile them to CAG members since they didnt indicate their user names !!!

[10pack]

Hi Martin

I read you message yesterday with the letter you intend to send. in it you are asking for a refund.. is this monies you have paid to Barclays?

[Beedles6]

"Martin what further info do you need?"

 

Just need to be up to speed with those who have subscribed to litigation with sols-and details of who they are etc.

 

Its become difficult to keep abreast of.

I have even had emails from people using real names and I cannot reconcile them to CAG members since they didnt indicate their user names !!!

 

Hi martin could you please help me with a letter to the adjudicator for the fos to ask for a refund from bpf and cancellation of my contract with them any help would be much appreciated not very good at putting words together thank you.

[Lankus]

Hi,

 

Yeah contract start date was the 04/02/2008, end date being the 04/02/10, signed by myself on the 25/01/2008. now thinking to myself what a t**t why did i bother.

 

reply from a4rons solicitor, very good development, sounds like the ball is eventually rolling. he must believe that he has a very strong case to take this on. that gives me great confidence in him. very interested in taking up his offer to include myself with the other 11 people who already have.

 

lets try get as many people as possible to get on this aswell, a4rons how many people will this guy represent??? does he feel this is a case that can be won??

 

 

 

lets try to get the numbers up for this

 

Hi LC, my enrolment form with Access 2 Trade also has the course length included with I filled myself, but on the enrolement form it states that the contract will be terminated immediately if the company goes into liquidation. So if you have the same on yours, CT can't continue your old contract, they'll have to issue a new one.

[raj4u]

Hello gys, really sick with the situation we are in..i request you not to login to CT website, as the mail says we accept CT as alternate provider if we login( which we don't want anyways)..some one posted here regards fo adjudicator details from southquay plaza.why can't all of us mail that adjudicator so that he can see the seriousness in this matter..

Martin..can i contact this adjudicator without logging a complaint with FO..i'm asking becoz i didn't contact FO before...

[citizenB]

"Martin what further info do you need?"

 

Just need to be up to speed with those who have subscribed to litigation with sols-and details of who they are etc.

 

Its become difficult to keep abreast of.

I have even had emails from people using real names and I cannot reconcile them to CAG members since they didnt indicate their user names !!!

 

People, if you have emailed/pm'd Martin without letting him know your user name as well , can you please do so:)

[Beedles6]

Hello gys, really sick with the situation we are in..i request you not to login to CT website, as the mail says we accept CT as alternate provider if we login( which we don't want anyways)..some one posted here regards fo adjudicator details from southquay plaza.why can't all of us mail that adjudicator so that he can see the seriousness in this matter..

Martin..can i contact this adjudicator without logging a complaint with FO..i'm asking becoz i didn't contact FO before...

 

i for one will be sending my email today just not very good at putting words together and any help from the

CAG team will be much appreciated if its already worked for some students why not us who are basically in the same situation thank you.

[Boosh]

I have contact the FO, better late than never eh, I have sent 2 emails to CT with lots of questions but they are not answering, but it seems from the email that thay will only give us answers once we have signed up, it's a joke.