Employer Funded Training/Qualifications

StoCat

I've not long begun employment with a national retailer. The job advert for my position clearly stated the job title/role and noted the successful applicant would have the opportunity to study for industry-related qualifications at no cost to the employee, i.e the company would cover the cost. I also raised the matter during the interview and a discussion was held about the training and what level of qualification I could achieve. I was/am eager to change career enter this industry and the training was a very enticing proposition that somewhat made up for what is a poor hourly rate and a significant drop in salary, which I was willing to absorb due to the apparent opportunity to learn, gain qualifications and progress.  

I am yet to receive an invitation to commence the training therefore I queried this. I have since learned from higher up the chain of command that apparently, due to my job role I am in fact ineligible for the training, despite it being stipulated on the job advert that the option was available. I am yet to respond and am also waiting to see what my manager can do/suggest (my manager is a good-un), but would appreciate any advice/input as to where I might stand on the matter. I have emailed the CAB but am awaiting a response. 

molerat

So you are looking towards giving them an excuse to get rid of you.  If they have decided not to give you the training then there is little you can do about it apart from quit.

StoCat

molerat said:

So you are looking towards giving them an excuse to get rid of you.  If they have decided not to give you the training then there is little you can do about it apart from quit.

No. And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself. What I am attempting to clarify is where I stand given that said training was stated on the job advert in addition to its provision being confirmed during the interview process. If I elected to quit over the issue I could afford to, so that’s a non-issue.

molerat

And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself

What issue would that be ?

You have little. if any, employment rights.  They can dismiss you for wearing red socks on a Friday if they don't like it. If they have decided to no longer offer the training then that is the end.  You have the right to leave their employ if you don't like their stance.  You can question it if you wish but that may mark your card as a troublemaker.

General_Grant

StoCat said:

I've not long begun employment with a national retailer. The job advert for my position clearly stated the job title/role and noted the successful applicant would have the opportunity to study for industry-related qualifications at no cost to the employee, i.e the cIn ompany would cover the cost. I also raised the matter during the interview and a discussion was held about the training and what level of qualification I could achieve. I was/am eager to change career enter this industry and the training was a very enticing proposition that somewhat made up for what is a poor hourly rate and a significant drop in salary, which I was willing to absorb due to the apparent opportunity to learn, gain qualifications and progress.  

I am yet to receive an invitation to commence the training therefore I queried this. I have since learned from higher up the chain of command that apparently, due to my job role I am in fact ineligible for the training, despite it being stipulated on the job advert that the option was available. I am yet to respond and am also waiting to see what my manager can do/suggest (my manager is a good-un), but would appreciate any advice/input as to where I might stand on the matter. I have emailed the CAB but am awaiting a response. 

What was the training which was discussed at interview? 
Would it have been internal or externally provided training?
In or out of work time?
Is this the best or would something else actually be better?

OrbitHeadache

StoCat said:

molerat said:

So you are looking towards giving them an excuse to get rid of you.  If they have decided not to give you the training then there is little you can do about it apart from quit.

No. And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself. What I am attempting to clarify is where I stand given that said training was stated on the job advert in addition to its provision being confirmed during the interview process. If I elected to quit over the issue I could afford to, so that’s a non-issue.

It would create no issue at all because you will have no legal rights to do anything.

StoCat

General_Grant said:

StoCat said:

I've not long begun employment with a national retailer. The job advert for my position clearly stated the job title/role and noted the successful applicant would have the opportunity to study for industry-related qualifications at no cost to the employee, i.e the cIn ompany would cover the cost. I also raised the matter during the interview and a discussion was held about the training and what level of qualification I could achieve. I was/am eager to change career enter this industry and the training was a very enticing proposition that somewhat made up for what is a poor hourly rate and a significant drop in salary, which I was willing to absorb due to the apparent opportunity to learn, gain qualifications and progress.  

I am yet to receive an invitation to commence the training therefore I queried this. I have since learned from higher up the chain of command that apparently, due to my job role I am in fact ineligible for the training, despite it being stipulated on the job advert that the option was available. I am yet to respond and am also waiting to see what my manager can do/suggest (my manager is a good-un), but would appreciate any advice/input as to where I might stand on the matter. I have emailed the CAB but am awaiting a response. 

What was the training which was discussed at interview? 
Would it have been internal or externally provided training?
In or out of work time?
Is this the best or would something else actually be better?

It's wine/spirits qualifications which would be delivered externally on my own time, and would definitely be beneficial. I'm not looking to kick up a stink about it, but am just wondering whether there are any angles I can pursue given it was listed as a 'perk' in the job ad, and that it was discussed and confirmed during the interview. Obviously, these are not legally binding factors, but being enticed by the offer of pursuing these quals was a large factor in my decision to apply for and accept the job, and progressing could be somewhat hindered by not having the quals due to the fairly significant knowledge gained. I could of course fund the training myself and I suppose I would then have the bonus of not being tied to the company should an opportunity crop up elsewhere, but I enjoy working alongside my colleagues and manager so would be happy to stay long-term should that be on the cards. 

StoCat

molerat said:

And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself

What issue would that be ?

Being handed your P45 for asking a question would not constitute fair dismissal in my book.

Anyway, thank you for your input, have a good evening.

Manxman_in_exile

StoCat said:

molerat said:

And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself

What issue would that be ?

Being handed your P45 for asking a question would not constitute fair dismissal in my book.

I think that what molerat was referring to is that with less than two years employment with this employer, you have no protection at all against unfair dismissal - they can sack you for just about any reason and you would have no comeback against them - what is fair and unfair in your "book" would be irrelevant.  So that is something you may want to bear in mind before sticking your head above the parapet.

StoCat said:

molerat said:

And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself

What issue would that be ?

Anyway, thank you for your input, have a good evening.

You may not have intended that to read quite as sarcastic as it does, but it tends to make you sound like the sort of person who prefers to read an inaccurate response that they would like to hear rather than an accurate response that they don't.  It can also put other posters off giving helpful advice...

StoCat

Manxman_in_exile said:

StoCat said:

molerat said:

And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself

What issue would that be ?

Being handed your P45 for asking a question would not constitute fair dismissal in my book.

I think that what molerat was referring to is that with less than two years employment with this employer, you have no protection at all against unfair dismissal - they can sack you for just about any reason and you would have no comeback against them - what is fair and unfair in your "book" would be irrelevant.  So that is something you may want to bear in mind before sticking your head above the parapet.

StoCat said:

molerat said:

And in any case, if they were to ‘get rid' of me for merely politely enquiring about training as promised then that would present a whole new issue within itself

What issue would that be ?

Anyway, thank you for your input, have a good evening.

You may not have intended that to read quite as sarcastic as it does, but it tends to make you sound like the sort of person who prefers to read an inaccurate response that they would like to hear rather than an accurate response that they don't.  It can also put other posters off giving helpful advice...

Dismissal isn't the matter at hand and as I have mentioned, I could afford to quit/be made redundant should such a situation arise in any case. I was merely seeking input as to whether I would be able to pull any levers in terms of the training/qualifications due to the circumstances. 

I accept your further remarks and see where you are coming from. But I did not find their tone especially welcoming or helpful to be honest, although I do understand 'the point' made.

Anyway, I will see what, if anything, we can sort out. Thanks and take care.

oh_really

You sound hard work.