The PFA support professional footballers from all levels. Their advice can help players make a smooth transition into a new job when their playing careers end.

To help footballers prepare for their futures, we’ve created a trade skills programme. Here current and former players can gain useful practical skills in the trades. As with all our other students, footballers can also benefit from our flexible training which allows them to fit the programme around their other commitments.

Become a follower of OLCI on Facebook and you can get access to special offers, course updates, competitions and news.

During March and April we’re hoping to share with our followers some useful ways for tradespeople to make money, and give out some practical tips on starting a business or finding a job.

Simply log into your Facebook account, search for ‘OLCI Construction Training’ and click ‘Like’.

Name: Tommy Crookson

Centre: Livingston

Years with OLCI: 3

What did you do prior to becoming a plumbing and gas tutor?

When I left school in 1978 I started working in the family plumbing business and continued working there up until about 4 years ago.

What practical tips do you have for a plumber or gas engineer working on-site?

My advice is when you finish a job, always stand back and ask yourself if you’d accept it in your own home.  I’d also recommend carrying and using your own dust sheets and vacuum cleaner because it can create a good impression with the customer. Read more »

Have you got your PTS discount card? PTS (Plumbing Trade Supplies) can supply you with bathroom, heating, plumbing and renewable energy products, and genuine spares. If you haven’t got a discount card, please call us on 0207 430 8447.

As some of you may know, in 2010 the construction training provider Access 2 Trade Careers went into administration. Fortunately we stepped in and allowed the students who’d enrolled using Barclays Finance to continue their training with us.

These people are now OLCI students just as much as everyone else who enrols – all enjoying the same great benefits: the opportunity to train in one of our nationwide centres, the theory training that fits around your job and family commitments and the support of experienced and professional tutors.

Over the past few months, more than 1,300 former Access 2 Trade Careers students have been training hard at OLCI and are now getting qualified in their particular trades. Read more »