Advice - studying at home whilst in employment

theonematt

I have recently decided to change direction in my career, I am a team leader within a company in customer services. Before I'd decided to work towards a change, my workplace invited me to a development programme. Unfortunately I felt incredibly pressured to do this programme by my boss so agreed and went through the interview process. I succeeded and I am on the programme (nothing was ever signed in writing).

This was in March.

I have since gained an interest in Web Development and have started an online course - it's not a degree, just a Udemy course, but I am excited about it and intend to hopefully get a job in this field in a years time.

My problem is this; I'm already in this programme which I've agreed to at work and it occurred to me today that if I leave next year there could be a chance I'd be asked to repay the cost of the programme. I have not signed anything to that effect nor is anything in my contract (I've worked here 4 years). I have only so far attended digital sessions, but there is 1 week of business college coming up next month.

I've thought about speaking to my boss about this concern, but then of course I'd have to reveal that I'm studying for something else and she'll then know my long term plan is to leave, and might even question why I accepted a place in this programme.

Where do I stand here, and does anyone have any advice for me?

Les79

On what basis do you believe there is a chance they'll try and recoup the cost of the course?

McKneff

Do nothing, say nothing.

Sign nothing....

theonematt

Les79 wrote: »

On what basis do you believe there is a chance they'll try and recoup the cost of the course?

Hi Les,

No real basis at all really except that I've seen in previous job contracts caveats about leaving before training is complete. There is no such mention of this in the contract for my role.

Honestly probably just my anxious mind going wild.

Savvy_Sue

Technically, if they don't ask you to sign an agreement to repay course fees, in advance, then they can't reclaim them from your final wages.

Hence McKneff's advice.

However, if you leave and they just deduct the course fees from your final salary, you'll have to fight to reclaim them, and it may well damage any reference you need in future.

But if you're sure this course isn't the way you want to go, then is it worth having a conversation with your boss and saying that you're not convinced it's the right path for you? I don't know if you're struggling with the course material - if you are I'd say it was definitely worth saying so.

And I'd also add a caveat: web development may look like an exciting are to work in, but a) the reality may be somewhat different and b) you may struggle to find work with limited experience - catch 22 as ever.

theonematt

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Technically, if they don't ask you to sign an agreement to repay course fees, in advance, then they can't reclaim them from your final wages.

Hence McKneff's advice.

However, if you leave and they just deduct the course fees from your final salary, you'll have to fight to reclaim them, and it may well damage any reference you need in future.

But if you're sure this course isn't the way you want to go, then is it worth having a conversation with your boss and saying that you're not convinced it's the right path for you? I don't know if you're struggling with the course material - if you are I'd say it was definitely worth saying so.

And I'd also add a caveat: web development may look like an exciting are to work in, but a) the reality may be somewhat different and b) you may struggle to find work with limited experience - catch 22 as ever.

Thanks Sue.

Re. web development - I've worked on projects in my current place of work which has involved working with web developers (or BAs at least) which drove me to look into it further. Totally know it's not going to be an easy ride but I definitely have enough healthy interest to try to make it work.

Regarding the programme at work. It's a funny one - realistically I could easily pull through, we "graduate" in November, and the chance of me getting other work in the field I want within the following year are slim anyway. I am also looking to buy a house so wouldn't leave until that is secure.

I'm not struggling with the course content so much as that I have little interest in it. I feel it would be a slap in my manager's face after all she's done for me over the years (getting me into the position I'm in now).

Perhaps I simply take McKneff's advice and say nothing? Ride this out until November then continue as I was, studying on the side?

w06

I’d be very wary of applying for web developer jobs off the back of a Udemy course. A lot of developers are becoming increasingly miffed at the claims of Udemy and similar sites, that appear to suggest their courses make you an expert

theonematt

w06 wrote: »

I’d be very wary of applying for web developer jobs off the back of a Udemy course. A lot of developers are becoming increasingly miffed at the claims of Udemy and similar sites, that appear to suggest their courses make you an expert

Thanks - I'm under no illusions about how far Udemy alone can take me, I know that I'll have to get relevant experience, network, meet people in the field - build up a portfolio etc...

w06

Oh yeah sorry I wasn’t meaning that you think it makes you an expert, I’m just aware of how Udemy is thought of by folk in industry. I’ve done a few of their courses out of interest but even so the adverts for my actual field get my hackles up with their sweeping claims.

[Deleted User]

Sounds to me like this is an internal development programme that you are involved with which doesn’t involve outside input or any qualification?

I did one of these with an employer which was a requirement as a stepping stone to the next level of my career with the company, that developed skills, knowledge, on the job mentoring and coaching, I got no qualification and was only useful for that employer.

Sounds as if this isn’t a actual training contract as there’s no cost to the employer apart from time and effort.

theonematt

MarkN88 wrote: »

Sounds to me like this is an internal development programme that you are involved with which doesn’t involve outside input or any qualification?

I did one of these with an employer which was a requirement as a stepping stone to the next level of my career with the company, that developed skills, knowledge, on the job mentoring and coaching, I got no qualification and was only useful for that employer.

Sounds as if this isn’t a actual training contract as there’s no cost to the employer apart from time and effort.

Thanks Mark. It's internal to an extent, we are given some business objectives to resolve as part of the next 5 months. But there is a week in a business school in July.