Finance for training course

basilbrook

I recently signed up with New Career Skills for a plumbing course.

However, I have decided to leave the course as it didn't meet my needs or expectations - something I couldn't experience until I started the course.

I paid NCS a deposit of £500 and then set up a direct debit to pay the finance company.

Apparently NCS provide credit through Hitatchi finance and it is to Hitatchi finance that my direct debit payment goes to.

I cancelled my direct debit, on the advice of NCS training centre manager, and have informed the finance company who just asked to be kept informed of the situation.

I have explained my reasons in writing to NCS whom have asked I complete the course.

Now my letters to them so far have been in good faith and there response has been similar, however someone from the finance company had informed them that under no circumstances were they going to cancel the arrangement.

Before I right back I was after some advice from this site, especially any one who has been in a similar situation.

Thanks for reading & in anticipation of any advise.

regards

BB

Chambece

I know from when I have studied in the past, and where finance is available, that they are indeed separate things.

When I looked into canceling a course, I would get back a percentage of the fee, and that could be used to pay back the finance. If I only got back a percentage, I would still be liable for the rest. I could however transfer to another more suitable course, and lose less...

However it might be that you do not qualify for any refund of the course fees, which is why NCS has asked that you complete the course, so you do not 'lose out' on what you have paid. I am surprised they told you to cancel the direct debit though.

It probably boils down to them being two separate contracts, each with their own T&Cs - I would imagine that you have agreed to pay NCS the balance of the course, and as you have started it, might not be eligible for a refund, and have got a credit agreement with Hitatchi for the outstanding balance.

I know this might not be what you want to hear, but this might be the situation....

hollydays

When you say it didn't meet your expectations,do you think you were mislead?

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

The finance is seperate from the course.

You need to arrange for NCS to agree to a cancellation and then ask them to settle the finance.

The information you have provided gives no basis whether this is likely to happen.

basilbrook

Thanks for the response's

Here's a bit more detail.

I have payed approx £1200 of a £5000 course. NCS own documentation states that duration of the course can be as quick as you make it but a maximum of 18 months.

The course is advertised as a ''blended learning course'' where you study the theoretical side of plumbing at home and attend 1 week practical workshop at one of their training centres.

I completed my ''course release' document after being on the course for approx 6 months.This document was signed on the morning of the 2nd day of my week 2 practical workshop. I had some issue's with the tutor but had reservations about the home study side of things after my week 1 practical workshop some 5 months earlier.

The type of study does not suit me, learning at home on your own, and it was not until after I started my 2nd week practical workshop that I was able to come to this conclusion.

The issue's with tutor were that I was left working 'unsupervised' when working up ladders and had to go to find him when I had a question to ask. He was usually found in the manager's office drinking tea. This situation occured more than once.

I eventually challenged the tutor after he spoke to me in an insultive manner and as a result he replied that ''leaving 6 months gap between week 1 practical & week 2 practical was too long'. So much for blended learning then.

I appreciate that my description of events may not be clear so please ask for details if they would assist in the correct advice being given.

As it stands I have paid out £1200 and was about a quater of the way through the course. I would expect a refund some sort but would not expect a 100% one. Worse cased scenario is I get nothing back, however I have the situation with the finance company to resolve.

Finally, I dont suspect I am the first person to experience this situation and will ask the finance company what their expectations are.

thanks again for reading

regards

BB

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Are there cancellation conditions?

If not I suggest you go back and complete the course as its unlikely you will get anything back and will be responsible for the full cost.

Chambece

I assume the finance is for the full £5000, and the £1200 you have paid is to Hitachi, and therefore you still owe them the rest (less deposit).

The training company probably already have the full cost of the course from Hitachi, and as Linas said, you really need to find out what you refund you are eligible for from them.

How many practical weeks are there? This might be the deciding factor - You probably have all the course materials, and if there are only two courses then it is fair to say you have 'completed' or at least had the ability to complete the course, therefore I would imagine it is likely that no refund will be available.

phlogeston

Presumably the finance was offered specifically for the course and arranged by the course providers. As there is a relationship between the two, you can expect that the finance agreement falls with s75 CCA.

You need to put your complaint regarding the course to both parties and hold them both responsible for their failure to provide an adequate service.

I don't know that you have given a good enough reason to cancel the contract - you seem to state that the 'style' doesn't suit you.

If the tutor did break H&S guidelines and was rude to you, then that it is reasonable to ask for a new tutor.

Deal in writing.