It beggars belief that people complain they can't afford to train properly, and then sign a contract for £5k or so without even understanding what it is they are signing up for. These training providers have a lot to answer for, but I think blame has to fall at the feet of those signing up.
I spent months looking for the right course (and seeking advice here among other places) before I even thought about parting with any hard earned cash. Then once I did find the right course I had to wait another 10 months for it to start because I'd missed that years intake. Before you ask, I practice what I'm preaching, that it is possible to train the right way even later on in life. I'm studying while working my normal job which at the minute is 40-hour weeks, then maybe another 15-hours a week working weekends with an electrician, and then 6-hours a week at college (and God knows how many hours studying at home a week) - and this is a commitment I've made for the next 2 or 3 years to come. On top of this, I have a 9-month old, a wife who is currently on maternity leave (no pay), and a flipping big mortgage over our heads.
My point is, when you want it really bad you make the sacrifices to make sure it happens. But to part with upwards of £5k without doing a spot of research, well, I don't know what to say about that.