I am just coming up to my 22nd year in the Marines and leave in September due to my Contract ending.All I have ever known is being in the armed forces. It has taken me a year to decide what second career to move into.A possible opportunity in my hometown led me to choose a tiling course. My wife works for a builders merchants with its own kitchen and bathroom outlet, which could benefit a local tiler.Once my decision was made I looked at all the training centres affiliated with the ELC that offered Tiling Courses. I found that Able Skills offered the best package compared to other training centres. My decision was based on course content and theirs was the best.On arrival I was made to feel very welcome, their facility for training is outstanding. They had everything required to deliver the City & Guilds 6 weeks Tiling Course which was designed by their own instructors Terry and Max for City & Guilds. I took another 4 weeks to learn plastering, and various different stone work. The plastering was important to me so that with future works I am competent enough to plaster bad walls prior to applying the tiles.I couldn't speak more highly of my Tutors, they were excellent. I have completed many courses during my time in the Military and this was the best course by far.I started off the course without any knowledge or skills in Tiling and upon completion of the course I am now more than confident to pursue my chosen career in Tiling and take my place in the construction industry.I am already looking into other courses they have on offer that will add more strings to my bow such as plumbing, kitchen fitting and electrical. I have their brochure and will be making a decision which trade would benefit me and my career once I am underway.I was fortunate enough to have friends and family living local to Dartford who were able to accommodate me whilst I was training, although I did hear that the accommodation Able Skills offer is very good and reasonably priced.Coming to Able Skills has definitely helped me to get into the right mind set. I found the whole process of leaving the Armed Forces very daunting, Able Skills have eased the problem. I feel confident with my new skills and now excited to get involved in the Construction Industry.I would definitely recommend Able Skills to anyone in the Armed Forces. It is Hassle Free in the office; they are extremely helpful and friendly. The whole process has been made very easy.Sean Donague - March 2013