[Simon Gerrard]

Prochem training courses are in my opinion the best. Prochem have decades of experience with training that is based on Ron Tilley's (the father of modern carpet cleaning) basic principles. Add to that the fact that the courses are based on the Prochem range of chemicals which are generally accepted as the best money can buy. You can't go far wrong if you go to Prochem.

[michael wadsworth]

Ah, Ron Tilley, lovely man, had a few pints with him in Stratford-on-Avon at the Servicemaster conference in the seventies, certainly knew his stuff. Is he still alive Simon?

[spikeymike]

It's sounding like Prochem have a great reputation   
I would never have imagined there would be such a huge array of equipment to boggle the mind.

So I will keep reading and reading and learning........and try not to bug you with too many replies   

[Simon Gerrard]

Mike,

Yes. He's getting on a bit now but still goes into the office to make sure things are ticking along. Great guy.

Simon

[Joe H]

Major Clean Up said     "Add to that the fact that the courses are based on the Prochem range of chemicals "

That can be one reason not to go to any of the machine or chem suppliers for training....... they promote their machines or their chemicals.

There is more in the carpet cleaning world then Prochem, no matter how good they may be.

I personally have not had a Prochem machine, nor do I use a great deal of their products, and I think I am doing just fine.

I would recommend going to an unbiased training course - that trains you in the techniques and speaks generally about the types of products and machines to use.

[stagcleaning]

Welcome!!!!!! You're in a very good training venue here!

[Simon Gerrard]

Joe,

Prochem chemicals are the best - fact!
What in my view you are completely missing here , Joe is the sheer depth of experience Prochem have in training quite literally generations of carpet cleaners over many decades Yes, it is true that their training is taught with the Prochem range of chemicals but that is only a part of it, it is what you are taught and how you are taught it  that matters and that is where Prochem come up trumps.

I know you would recommend NCCA training but that training is based (or was when I did it) on raw chemicals as opposed to a particular brand and that can make things very confusing indeed from a newbie's stand point. Plus, as someone who has done more training courses than most, I can say without the slightest hesitation that the NCCA courses were by far and away the worst.

Having said that, I think the best advice for a newbie is to attend as many different training courses as you can because you will always learn something new no matter where you go.

[Ricky M]

Joe,

Prochem chemicals are the best - fact!


 Plus, as someone who has done more training courses than most, I can say without the slightest hesitation that the NCCA courses were by far and away the worst.

Having said that, I think the best advice is attend as many different training courses as you can because you will always learn something new no matter where you go.

FACTS and guidance from the legend MAJOR ring piece.
a contradiction in terms but hayoo .

by ek I feel rough sorry Si maybe I shouldnt have said that
and thats a contridtion again

Love Ricky Montana 

[Ricky M]

been really ill over the past few days and just reading your waffle has really cheered me up  Thanks Simon 

[Ken Wainwright]

Mike

My advice to any newbie is always the same.

First, try to spend a day or two with an experienced CCer. This basic experience about procedures, types of products ie pre-sprays/traffic lane cleaners, rinses, spotters etc. etc. along with machines, how to phyically use them, how to pre-spray etc. will be worth an extra week on a formal training course. In otherwords, you'll be able to hit the course running If your mentor chooses to cut corners and offers what may seem to be an acceptable reason, I would advise at this stage in your carreer to follow the words of your formal trainer instead.

Second. Attend the formal training course. Naturally, being a long time supporter of the NCCA, I'd say attend their course. If you intend to join the Association, then this is imperative. But I'd also add that the Prochem course is excellent. Branding aside, it is very similar to the NCCA.  With the little experience you'll have gained with a colleague, in your mind you'll be able to convert the branded "Multi Pro" into the generic "Pre-spray" and so on. You will need BOTH carpet and upholstery courses. This is standard with the NCCA two day format. Prochem's are individually priced, and I think are always run together on consecutive days. Geography will be a significant factor in the selection of your chosen training course. Prochem are in Surrey but do tend to take their training around the country at least once a year.

Finally, now that you've seen what the job involves and assessed which will be your primary marketplace, you'll be able to draw up a more accurate business plan, procure equipment and set your marketing strategies in motion.

When you've started your business, your training doesn't end there. For myself, even after 30 years, I try to attend at least one new or refresher course a year. Knowledge is power

Safe and happy cleaning
The Ken

[Simon Gerrard]

Ken,
Couldn't have put it better myself.
One of the really good things about forums is it provides the means for people to hook up with more experienced people and gain first hand on the spot training, but as you say, formal training must follow and the more the merrier.
Simon

[gwrightson]

Ahh, but Ken,

you go along to for the fun of it handing out a few little tips along the way

As for prochem been the best, where did that come from? agreed they have a reputation for good chems, but so do lots of other companys and their are lots of generic chemicals costing less than some of the top name brands.  I have my favorites for different scenarios, but generaly speaking if we were honest,

Do you really notice that much difference between different names designed for the same task ?

i dont .

Geoff

[Simon Gerrard]

Geoff,
You could be right there. I stick for the most part with Prochem because they always seem to be reformulating and improving their range so you're always sure that you have a real pedigree product. Having said that some of the Prochem range are not that good, rust remover being one.
Simon

[mark shannon]

Agree with Ken Prochem and NCCA course both very good and similar.

Prochem course with Peter and Spencer a few years back was the DBs very slick.

 A private hospital manager I work with, said Prochem was the best course he ever attended.

Did the Prochem sales course with Ron Tilly fantastic insight from a UK CC pioneer.

Prochem chems are on the whole extremely good and have found myself returning more and more to them and Chempec. The big players have the big R&D budgets.

Mark

[Simon Gerrard]

The other good thing from a newbies perspective is the fact that the Prochem range have colour coded labels that indicate their respective Ph. Yellow / Green Blue etc so you know at a glance the Ph range of the product you're using.
Simon

[derek west]

done both courses and both excellent. couldn't be without my powerburst but then i couldn't be without my hydramasters clearwater rinse either, so doing the prochem didn't make me use all there products, utmost respect for paul pierce who takes the NCCA course, top trainer.

[spikeymike]

It sure is great to get such good feedback and encouragement from everyone here.

I just need to make sure I don't fall for the equipment suppliers who might try and convince me, as Del Boy would say "Buy our equipment. This time next year, you'll be a millionaire! ...   

Mike

[Mark_Jubb]

It sure is great to get such good feedback and encouragement from everyone here.
I just need to make sure I don't fall for the equipment suppliers who might try and convince me, as Del Boy would say "Buy our equipment. This time next year, you'll be a millionaire! ...   
Mike

Of course you will Mike, this country is full of millionaire carpet cleaners 

[Stu.Clem]

P.M.S.L

Ricky - you must be sporting your very finest cloak of invisibilty tonight?!? or could it be that certain folk can only avoid the truth with their own ignorance....

Onwards and upwards my good fellow! never a truer word said - world is full of em dude.

Stu

Get well soon bud keep takin them woolly back whiskey remedies 

[Ricky M]

Stu Slept from 6pm till 5:50am ( must rem to turn alarm off  )
feel great today so much so that I'm starting my 1st lot of rugs at 7:30am.
weather not the best but once there in doors its time for air and heat to there job.