Part time qualification

iviv · 8 Jan 2008 at 20:15

At the moment, I'm a first year Uni student wit a little too much time on my hands. To get me out of the house ad try and do somethng interesting and productive with me time, I'm considering trying to get an extra qualification of some sort, probably through evening classes.
I only have betwen now and the end of may, perhaps June if I stretch it, to do the course, but with only 6 months of learning, would I be able to get any reasonable qualification that wouldn't just be sniggered at?

Ideally I would be looking for someting with computers, as I enjoy messing around with them. I'm not really trying to get a job in computing, as I'm an QS student, but it would be something extra to put on my CV, and show that I am not going to destroy their servers.

Would there be any courses that I could complete in 6 months of evening classes, and would I get anything worthwhile out of the end of it?
I'm in Newcastle if it helps, though haven't looked at any specific colleges.

Glaucus · 8 Jan 2008 at 20:18

I would also be interested in finding peoples experience of evening classes. In relation to high voltage courses if any such things exist.

iviv · 8 Jan 2008 at 20:26

Moses99p said:
Why not just join some uni societies instead? :\

I'm in several. Including the D&D society ^_^

iviv · 8 Jan 2008 at 20:55

I've joined the ones that really interest me. Plus most of them either meet at the weekends or clash with lectures.
Anyhow, an extra qualification would be nice, as would learning a bit more about PCs.

jaydee · 9 Jan 2008 at 01:10

I've got one for ya and you probably never thought of it..

PTS certificate. Personal Track Safety Certificate. The must-have qual if you wanted to work on the railway network, London Underground etc...

Why would you want to I hear ya'll ask...

Money. By all accounts it's supposed to be quite well paid. There's a downer. Weekends and shifts..

The plus sides. Travel. Gets you into shape. And err.. the money...

Did the course meself a couple of years back but have another job right now. The PTS cert's a backup plan though. If you can get on a course (sponsored by a rail contractor) it's simple enough. A couple of weeks or whatever rolling tools/gear on carts up and down tracks. Relaying concrete and timber sleepers. lifting track. levelling. Tightening fittings etc. Learning how to lay detonators. Knowing what the cess is, the 4 foot, six foot and 10 foot. Basics of signals and track possession. Conductor rails and catenary basics, earthing, hand signals, lookout, etc etc..

VERY basic track electrics, use of tools etc... it's a sinch. nothing to it..

Even if you only end up strimming the shrubs during a summer vacation it's worth checking out...