hi dan,theres quite a few ways to get into the trade but a lot of factors involved,i.e,time ,budget,emloyment and age.
c&g course 6217-04 is a six week programme offered by a few training providers (a lot of people turn there nose up at )it but if u take the time to see whats covered within the criteria it very closse to nvq level 2 without the fibrous work
caa have brought out a new diploma award level 2 which again is worksop based training over a recommended 8-15 weeks
there the nvq route-but new people have to be employed.
and there the good old appreticeship
like i touched on about these in house training courses,my lads spend an awful amout of time on the trowel over their training and as much theory is pumped into them along the way.they dont come out as tradesmen as on site experience is allways a big learning curve for anyone,but it does give them a real chance of getting on in the industry.
i bet most appretices in there first two years dont have that much trowel time(clearing up ,mixing,chipshop run.....and so on)
i think for the younger kids apprenticeship is better as they have longer to learn and mature,as for older learners in house training tends to be more viable for them.
this is just an oversight and an educated veiw.if u want more info giv me a shout