Unpaid training before possible recruitment

Cathays

I have applied for some freelance work and prospective employer has invited me to take part in an intensive 4 day 'training course' which is unpaid (travel paid for as it is only held in a few locations). Only if I am successful will they issue a contract.

I have signed up for it but am I right in thinking this is a bit much - it's a 4 day interview really isn't it? I'm self employed and have caring responsibilities so 4 unpaid days away is a big deal.

Also the other caveat is that they must partner me with a third party organisation before contacting. So if they fail to match me with an organisation I won't be contracted either.

Very odd. Any advice please?

bugslet

What's the role?

Personally I don't like the sound of it, but maybe there is a genuine reason, which will come to light when we know what the position is.

Scorpio33

Run like the wind.

If they are like this before you have joined, imagine what they would be like when working there?

Good employers wouldn't call it a training course if it was unpaid either.

bugslet

Scorpio33 wrote: »

Run like the wind.

If they are like this before you have joined, imagine what they would be like when working there?

Good employers wouldn't call it a training course if it was unpaid either.

Agree, any training that our staff do, gets paid for, plus travelling expenses if it's away from base.

Cathays

Thanks @Bugslet and @Scorpio33!

The employee is the official funding and development organisation for the arts, funded by the government of my UK region. So all very official. The job is basically freelance creative project manager.

What would you call it if not training?

I have pressed them for further details but they say they are unable to say how things will pan out until after the training. I guess it's in their interest to employ as many trainees as possible, otherwise the training would be a waste of their money.

Is there any info available online about whether or not they can do this?

Cathays

I guess it seems very odd that what's (almost) a government org is asking people to jump through so many hoops - a very odd recruitment process. Can they even do this?