Pittsburgh Bartending School

Review: Where do I start. I was told before enrolling in the class that I would have access to unlimited job placement, internationally. I was also told that the school guarantees job placement within 2 weeks of graduation. Well, I graduated May 10th, 2013 and I'm still looking for a bartending job. The "instructor" basically just showed us how to make the drinks once, then told us to practice while she sat at her computer and didn't pay attention to what we were doing. They told me it was fine if I tested a day early because I had been doing so well in the class, so I never got my full 40 hours that I paid for. Also, I was told that I would be TAM and RAMP certified...what they don't tell you is that you have to take the RAMP class at a later date (it's been 2 months and they haven't given me ANY info as to when), and the TAM certificate takes 6 months to a year to process. Basically, I didn't get anything that I paid for other than a certificate that hasn't helped me do anything but waste my time. The best part about this is the school interviewed me for an instructor position, and during the interview the owner admitted that I didn't get even close to what I paid for!Desired Settlement: I paid 595$ for the course. I would really appreciate my money back. I won't even complain about the fact that I missed a week of work (roughly 350$ in income lost) if I can just get the 595$. Thank you!

Review: [redacted], the owner and director of PBS promised his students a job if they passed the testing at the end of the week. They have a program called job placement and promise you a job when you "graduate". During the class we had a guy teach us a course, and we took a test and were supposed to receive our TAM cards in the mail and I know at least 20 people who have not received them. Along with that, we have also not received a phone called concerning a job or anything about "job placement". I have tried contacting wayne radomski multiple of times about my card and I just get an excuse every time. Such as: I'm busy I'll call you right back, or I'll call and look into it, or he puts me on hold and never returns.Desired Settlement: The $495 I paid for the schooling I want refunded. I have been out of a job since I took the course in the sencond week of December 2012.

Business

Response:

Good Afternoon [redacted],

This is in regards to ID [redacted]. I spoke to [redacted] on 8/6/2013 in regards to her time here with the Pittsburgh Bartending School and she had some very valid points that disappointed her and as a graduate of the school, I can appreciate her concerns.

Unfortunately, the person who was the Director of the Pittsburgh Bartending School is the one who dropped the ball on professionalism for every student that came through this school during her time here. The TAM cards were never sent off for approval and this is the reason why she has not received it.

The job placement assistance is not guaranteeing jobs but it is offering assistance with establishments within our community that we have a relationship with. Each student signs off on this sheet and therefore there are no misunderstandings.

I allowed her to speak freely with me so that I could fully understand her perspective so that I was able to serve her accordingly. The end result was I would track down her TAM card, which I did reach out to the representative who oversees this in Lansing, Michigan, and he is getting the backlog caught up for me so that these folks can get their certifications. I’ve also sent out a new Job Placement sheet for her to fill out and either email/fax/mail back to me so that we can assist her with interviews. I also included my business card and offered for her to contact me at any point.

She apologized profusely for dumping this “nonsense” on me with knowing that I was not here during this time but I am more than willing to assist her and she was happy with that and I want to make this experience a better one for her.

I will continue to monitor this and make sure that she is fully satisfied.

Best,

School Director

Review: I enrolled in the school back in June of 2013, but then I decided to drop the class before it started, and asked for a refund. They told me it will take 30 business days for the money to go back to my bank account. But its been more than 3 months already and I still haven't received my refund. I tried to call them so many times but either did not pick up or make up different excuses everytime. They multiple of times had told me the specific date that they will send the money to me but it never happened. I called them so many times they told me the school ran out of money and they only have 97 cent in the account and there is nothing they can do about it.Desired Settlement: All I ask for is for them to return my money

Business

Response:

This letter is to inform you that there is a change in ownership with the Pittsburgh Bartending School and that the old owner stepped down and resigned and I am now overseeing the day to day operations as the new managing partner. I have had several conversations with Hong and I am doing all that I can as the new owner of a company that is in debt to clear up her situation and have promised to work with her directly until the financial obligation is cleared up altogether. I believe Hong understands that this was in no way my fault and as frustrating as it has been for her she has been very patient with me. I am working diligently to bringing ethics, morals and integrity back into this school and provide closure to all the folks who have been affected in a negative way. Hopefully this can be resolved in an amicable manner that is also swift and then Hong can put closure to this negative experience. I am very sorry that she has had such a negative experience with the school and it is my intention to make it right for her. All I'm asking for is a little patience and I will come through for her. Best, [redacted] School Director

Review: Was promised help with job placement. Everytime I tried to contact them about it the excuse was the job placement director wasn't in or she was to busy to take my call. I attempted to make contact with her numerous times, and each time I was unsuccesful. I was promised TAM certification, but never recieved anything. I took the test for TAM, and was told my certification would be msiled to me as soon as it arrived. That was 11 months ago.Desired Settlement: I would like a full or partial refund of my money for not being provided with the services promised.