Leaving a job

[xxromancerxx]

I am seriously considering leaving my current job to further my career in the Health & Safety Field. My current employer has financed my last H&S course which was a NEBOSH General Certificate. They have now told me that if I leave within 12 months, the course fee would have to be paid back to the company. However, they cannot guarantee me a full-time H&S position as the company is not big enough to warrant it. They can only offer me up to 3 days a week and 2 days carrying out another role. If I do decide to leave the company within 12 months, where would I stand in regard to refund of the course fee? Would the company be able to withhold any outstanding holiday pay or my week in hand to cover part of these owed monies? I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have been in a similar postion.

[Whickerman]

Very few companies under, say, 100 employees have dedicated H&S officers. And to be honest, without at least a diploma level qualification and experience the chances of getting into a bigger firm are limited. You could try specialist areas like building etc though.

As for paying back the fees - this is normal, and is a usual part of an agreement. Actually - some firms will also ask you to sign a contract that you won't enter that field of work for x number of years as well. And yes, they can withhold pay.

If you're happy in the company, jump at the opportunity they're offering to gain some relevant experience for a year or two, and then look elsewhere. Sounds like they're being really supportive, and may be willing to train you to a higher level.

Just by the way : well done for continuing your education in this manner - I'm about to sit H&S exams myself so I know the time and effort involved.

[xxromancerxx]

Yes, I have looked at a few agencies advertising for construction companies but like you say...they are looking for experience and either people with or working towards diplomas. Thank-you for your reply and good luck on your H&S qualifactions.

[bednobs]

hi, did you sign an agreement ? Does your company have a written down policy? Ids there anything in your contract? If the answer is no to all 3, i cant see how they can hold you to it.
I agree with WM. My husband did his diploma in his own time with his own money as distance learning from portsmuth uni. He now has a job that was beyond my wildest dreams!! it did take a few years of getting experience though

[xxromancerxx]

Hi. Unfortunately, yes I did sign an agreement. I suppose it was an afterthought by the company as there is nothing in my contract regarding returning training expenses after leaving the company within a certain period. I have breifly looked into distance learning for my next step which would be the diploma. But in order to do that, I would have to be working within a full-time H&S position.

I did receive another piece of advice from a collegue though. They said if I did decide to leave the company, then I could offfer to refund the fee but under my own terms such as offering so much a week. But would that prevent them from withholding any outstanding monies owed to me?

Anyway, I suppose the way forward would be to remain with the company for now and gain any experience I can until something else comes up.