I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

I'm sorry to hear that your course is not what you expect and require, I had the same problem doing a stress management course at a local college. The tutor didn't have a plan and the teaching was very scatty.

I also felt I learned more from the books, she recommended and the other students..

Afterwards I completed a on-site massage course at a private college, and the difference was huge. It was planned and structured and they knew what they were doing..

I would never go to public college for complementary studies again, as I don't feel you have the same commitment from the tutors.

For you I would go to the admissions department with all your concerns, and demand a partial (or full) refund of the classes still to be taken and not leave till you got it.
Then find a private college and go talk to them, try a class to see if you like their way of teaching and try again.

For me, getting the best tuition in complementary therapies isa must, as the it is so hands when you're done. It also gives you the confidence to believe in your skills and abilities afterwards.

There's nothing worse than wasting precious time and money on a course you are not happy with. And if the teacher does not accept there's a problem, he or she will notbe helping getting the course back on track..

Good luck and hope you get it sorted out soon.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Not sure it's down to public v private. More a case of getting a good tutor (and you can get a bad one anywhere).My last (public) college had very good facilities, but one of my two tutors was awful. The other was good, if slightly disorganised. At my current college - another public one - facilites are sparse, but the teacher is excellent. She's focused and organised, obvioulsy knows her subject and is enthusiastic. Of course, I had no way of knowing that before starting (other than a recommendation from someone here on hp, but that was pure luck).

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

It seems to be luck of the draw with the tutors rather than a private/public thing. I have just started doing ITEC Holistic Massage at evening class at my local college and I can't fault it. The course is fully planned out fot the whole year (including assignments), the facilities are good and the tutor is excellent.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

I am at a public college and we also have some concerns re timewasting especially. Is it that this form of study is laid back as it is holistic therapies and not got the 'buzz' of the business world that you may be used to. I am giving my college the benefit of the doubt. We do have a schedule of work though that is followed well, and runs along with the ITEC recommendations. The other factor of course is that it costs so much more for a private college. Someone I know is paying £800.00 just to do the ITEC Aromatherapy.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Hi, I am so sorry to hear you are not enjoying your course. ITEC are very professional and sually put tutors through a very hard time to ensure they give the best teaching, so I don`t know how this has happened. My advise to you is to write a letter to ITEC, stating what the trouble is and show a copy to your tutor. I`m sure she will sit up and take action even if it means refunding you the money you have paid.
Good luck
Sandra

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Kind of resolved and understand problem. Tutor is fine, college have lumbered her with so much teaching 32 out of 35 hours she is stressed out herself. Decided to go with flow and my own pace and to only sit exams if ready, or defer if not. We had all been promised tutor 1-to-1 support and all were feeling abandoned-The thing is, if the college had been honest about the time and structure I would have chosen a more part time course I was also considering- so was feeling upset I guess at being missold. So, will just do my best. Thanks for feedback

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Even though you say the situation might be resolved, I think that you need to write a letter voicing your concerns about the lack of organisation. ITEC is big and getting bigger, and we seem to hear more and more about unskilled tutors, and flimsy arrangements viz courses. There have been comments on other boards about tutors not turning up for several sessions at a time, and then trying to cram teaching in at the last minute, leaving people ill-prepared for exams. It isn't fair on the students. ITEC should be made aware of your problem, so send it to them, copy it to the tutor, the college and, since you are probably paying, the local Trading Standards office.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Hi there,

I read your remarks with interest, as I am experiencing a similar situation with my college (a private college).

I understand that you feel the situation may be resolved, but it might not be long until you feel let down again -I have been in this situation.

Having spoken with Consumer Direct, they advised me that despite it being an educational establishment, they are still bound by the Supply of Goods and services act 1982. The legislation highlights that any goods or services must be delivered with reasonable care and skill. As well as this, when studentssign up for any course, they are undertaking a contract with college. Ifthe college does not fulfill the agreed terms, they are also in breach of their contract with you.

Having attempted to address the issues verbally with the college principal, I was put at ease, but then found that things were not changing at all. I have now put my grievances (too many to explain in this forum!)in writing to the school and the head office. The letters were sent by recorded delivery, so I can prove they were received. As yet I have not received a response from them.

I have already handed over a huge amount of money to the college and invested much time undertaking the course, so leaving is not an option. I'm prepared to go down the small claims route, but hope it does not come to this.

In short, you deserve the education you are paying for and exactly what was sold to you before you joined the course.

If you need advice, do speak with somebody at Consumer Direct. They were very helpful. I've attached a link to the website.

[link= http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/ ]www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/[/link]

Wishing you all the best.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Many thanks, especially Kate B
Yes, lots of promises, but no change In fact things have got worse. I have decided to leave as the stress was just not worth it and I was failing to find anything positive about the 'educational experience'. I told them today I was leaving and they said they would work out what I owed... starting at £850 for the massage module alone. I said I won't be paying as you are in breach of your contract, I am leaving because of the quality of the course. I had previously sent an email to the tutor and a copy to student services. As back I have contacted the learning skills council who will happily investigate how their funding is being used (or not).

The postives I take away, is that I have taken my first steps as a trainee therapist and enjoyed it. I will complete my training, but am happy to cut my loses and go elsewhere. I am investigating the distance learning and short courses as I have done nearly all of the theory. Did I cut my nose off in spite before my exams in Feb (A&P, massage and business skills ITEC).... NO, the peace of mind I feel today and the weight and pressure lifted from me feels good. I have self taught myself the material as the teaching was so bad. I am in a good place. Looking forward to my new journey
Kindest
Marmite

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

hello,
I am new here.
Reading your post I find myself being surprised at how unsurprising all of this is.
My reasons are long, and I won't bore anyone, but I have alwaysbeen a bit suspicioushow easy it is to become in a few months a therapist performing near-medical stuff on patients, by being "trained" at a higher education college or a private school. I ama foreignerand on the continent, sadly the other extreme is true: aromatherapists are just inexistent, illegal even as only a doctor can practice aromatherapy. I find that system far too rigid to the detriment of the people who would need easy access to such wonderful treament.
On the other hand, having done long and varied studies here, including secondary teaching diploma and hardly recovered from the horror of this last one (desperate mass-producing of "teachers" with no study of subject knowledge whatsover, just "kids psychology", and skills more appropriate to Starbuck business running; confused, desillusioned trainees being totally failed and ignored by the university training them), I said to myslef that a quick ITEC diploma from the local college was out of question.
I want to learn the subject of aromatherapy in depth, it is a science, and means being very knowledged about the botanics and the physiology of the sense of smell, and I would be prepared to study it with a lavender-grower/oil producer in the mountains, rather than a tutor too happy to find work and skim over the all too important theory.
In short, I fear many courses in aromatherapy are giving you a good sample of massage, at best, as a (European)student at my local college on a full time Complementary Therapies course told me: "don't come here, the theory is bad". I could witness other trainees complaining about the difficulty to complete enough case studies...all too reminiscent of the superficial "hands-on" unguided experience I had as a trainee teacher: form filling, target-meeting, empty concepts and a LOT of patience required. The trainees which eventually became teachers were (drop out: 50%) those withlittle shine regarding principles of integrity and knowledge.

I know many of you will not agree with my opinions. I just expect that a tutor is a an expert in her/his field, or at least has a real passion, commitment for his/her craft.

By the way, anyone knows about the AGERAROMATHERAPY SCHOOL in Colchester? I am looking for a knowledged school in aromatherapy and cannot -even in my dreams - afford Neals' Yard or the other big school in London (IHTA or something similar) at £3000 the course!

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

HI

I have read some of the replies but not all and I am sorry if I repeat them.

This happened tome last year (the teacher was helping two students to cheat with mock exams and giving them answers to the homework) it was also a waste of time.

I sent a letter to the head of health and beauty and threatened them with legal action - I wasted a year but I not only got my cost of my course I got over £250 compentation plus all the admin fees.

Yes this has wasted my time - instead of feeling angry and upset I used the money went to another college and I am now doing one more exam and I will pass my course. Yes I wasted a year but it made me more determind to get the exam I wanted. I am even planning the course I am going to do next year.

Choosing the right college I think is a hit a miss. To be honest I cant see your course getting better and this is meant to the person who has also said they have verbally complained and have now written in complaining. Hit these colleges where it hurts -write to them and get your money back plus write to Itec - and copy them in the letter - show them that you cant be messed around - not your time and not your money!!

Sorry if this may seem over the top but I wasted a whole year for nothing.

I hope everything works out for you.

Good luck

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Sorry Like I said I have not read all the threads and I noticed you have left. Sorry to hear that.

Look for another course and dont give up!

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Hi Susan,

Thanks for your reply and support.

I'm doing anITEC course that I am happy with, but my particular complaint is against a Private Beauty Therapy school that I have wasted much money and time on. I didn'texplain this in my previous reply as I didn't want to bore everyone with the details!. The situation is still ongoing - I can't just pull out as I have invested too much time and lots of money into the course already.

You are right, they do not listen and things will not get better. I am seeing a solicitor next week and I am planning to take them to court in order to obtain all or part of my money back. I am planning on writing to the exam board as well.

Thanks and regards

Kate

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

where is the college that you aare all dissatified, YOU must complain to their bosses, it is important if they are that useless the tutors, then they should not be teaching rememeber they are having YOUR money

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Hi Chid,

I cannot name the college at the moment, but it is in central London. The threads do not relate to the same school.

I attempted to resolve matters verbally with the principal - still nothing changed. I wrote a further two letters of complaint to the Principal and Managing Director of the Training School and Still nothing has changed (and have not even responded to my last letter).

I've been speaking out for the past 6 months and have done everything by the book.

The only logical step now is to take legal action to get some of my hard earned money back.

Kate.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Hi
I am really sorry to hear of the problems you have had to endure trying to get the qualifications.
I am writing from the other side(!) as a lecturer.
It sickens me to hear of the lack of support and information you have recieved. I can honestly say it is always down to the lecturer and their level of compassion to their subject.
I teach ITEC A & P, massage, indian head and reflexology. My students are pushed really hard- i want them to be able to achieve at least 80% in their exams and I really care that they leave me with far more skills and knowledge than a lot of people practicing in local salons, spas etc.
(to date none of my students have failed.)

In education I would be classed as a 'spoon-feeder!' this means I explain everything in detail which takes time. Unfortunately, further education (adult education) is very different than school- the student is expected to take responsibility for his/ her learning there directed study is a major part of it; I have 3 children, I teach 2 1/2 days a week and see up to 20 clients weekly- perhaps I realise people have a busy life!! ??
At the end of the day I want my students to achieve their qualification, so I do tend to go the extra mile.
The best advice I can give you is on interview ask about amount of theory, practical & home-work, find out whether this lecturer is still practising (I reckon it is better if they are) ask to see the teaching file- this will give you an indication of how much they have put into it.
I have 2 large files (which I struggle to open without all the contents falling out) per subject. Extra to this is a general file with generic info which spans all the courses.

I hope that in the future you do find the lecturer for you- best wishes & good luck.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Hi I can sympathise with you. I am doing 2 vtct courses, one which I can say I am thouroughly enjoying as it is structured and progresses at a steady pace and I always feel that I have acheived something from that night the other the complete opposite, i come out confused there is no structure no timetable and things just seem to be thrown at us. The lecturer is very knowledgable there is no doubt but is so laid back and things aren't serious. I feel let sown as this is also a career change and I can honestly say that I don't feel that in 12 weeks of study time left that I would feel competent to go out and practice my new qualification (if I pass!!!!!) Good Luck with your decision I have decided to stick it out due to cost and time committed.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one going through this, but it's such a pity that we have to suffer. I am doing a VTCT Aromatherapy course and it's just so unorganised, it's unbelieveable.

I have studied at this college before with VTCT Swedish Massage and Indian Head Massage, and the courses were excellent with a great teacher. But this Aromatherapy class is going all wrong.

I am so ready to quit with only a couple months left. I feel that if I carry on, I'm just cheating myself and will have a piece of paper (certificate) which I feel like I don't deserve.

I love doing massage and I'm so disappointed and demotived, I really feel like I should not continue with this course, but once again, it's the money and time put into it that makes me HAVE to continue.

I have almost hit the point that I am ready to leave the course and lose my money, that I have to work 8 - 5pm Monday to Friday for in a job I really don't like and bores me to tears!! And after wasting 6 months of my time at this college hoping things will get better, I really don't know what to do anymore.

The thought of stopping and finding a new DECENT college is so appealing, but I want my money back, I have the teacher who taught me this college backing me up 100% as he says I'm one of his best students and he really sympathises with me and he's the one who pushed me to start writing letters to bring the issue to the department head's attention.

I have college tomorrow night and I just feel too sad to deal with this. I hope this will all work out soon.

I hope I haven't ranted on too much, but I know how you all feel. Thank you for posting these messages, at least I know I'm not alone

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

This is all so sad!
I had a mix of good and bad too, usually the good was down to the abilities, commitment and determination of the lecturer to overcome the limitations of the system (if only we could all have celticpurpledawn!).I left my (private) college whenI had finished my Diploma,even thoughthere were other courses I was interested in, but no longer wanted to do them there as my tutor had left (God bless you Judith!).

I think we all need to become more demanding consumers, we wouldn't stand for this cr*p in a shop, so why should we in a college?
More and more colleges now have 'student retention managers'; these people monitor the enrollment, drop out rate, etc, and yes, they are only interested in how much money the college is rolling in, but these are the people to speak to, if a class rises up as one voice to say they are withdrawing their financial support of the college, and sueing to get it back if necessary, they'll start taking notice.

Maybe the poor tutors are those who thought teaching was a soft option?

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Well just to let you all know that I actually decided I'd had enough when I got to work and thinking of going to this mess at college after work AGAIN really broke me down.

So I sent yet another email and they've said I can get a full refund, so now I can finally move on with my studies. One step closer to my dreams

I'm so happy. Thank you all for being there and voicing your opinions!!

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

I'm really glad you've been able to get all this sorted, being on the wrong course, whether it's cause it's simply not right for you, or cause the teacher, structure or copurse content isn't right, is just too stressful and frustrating for words. I hope your next course is much better than the last and that you havea really good experience.

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

HI

I am so glad you sorted this out, as I said before this happened to me I changed coleages and I passedthe course in a new college and I am going to start a new course in September!

Good luck to you take care

RE: I hate my course ITEC- so disorganised- How can I complain?

Hi all,

I just wanted to add that students should beware of Private colleges - particularly beauty schools. In my experience they are not as regulated as local authority colleges and they are hugely expensive.

I undertook my CIBTAC and experienced the following:

• no tests, homework or exam papers
• Undertaking treatments on the public in order to make the school money.
• for around 6 months I had no teacher.
• No mock exam.
• courses such as make up, that were advertised as part of the evening class, took place in the day. We had not been advised of this.

The private beauty schools can be very expensive, so it is not an option to drop out once you have paid (they would not give the money back).

I would advise that you strongly investigate any school before joining and ask questions about the above. Don't be fooled by exam results - in my experience I had to put in 100%to pass with no help from the school. If you are given a course outline scrutinise it and ask lots of questions about it.

Kate