In the end no...it turns out to be really difficult unless you are 16 and can do an apprenticeship.
The NICIEC are moderately helpful and had some suggestions but everyone says despite having the piece of paper it doesnt mean you can do the work, because you have no experience. From looking i dont think the courses are particually hard, its pretty rule based and the rest does come with on the job experience which is hard to get.
In my case i was offered a position else where in another industry before i got to do the training.