Holding my NVQ2

[MrsBryan]

When I did my NVQ2 back in November, my company made me sign something saying that if I left within 3 years they would charge me for it. I thought this was odd as I also signed something saying asking for government funding - I was actually told to lie on this forum and deny my actual qualifications so I got the funding.

Anyway now my work are holding my NVQ2 certificates, I haven't even seen them, they said I can come and photocopy them if I want but that they will hold them for three years, is this legal?

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Did you do an apprenticeship? If you did your work still has to pay fees which vary from course to course, but they are at a reduced rate if you didn't already have a level 2 qualification. It is not uncommon to have a contract requiring repayment if you leave within so many years.
The colleges I use would send the certificate direct to the student.

[MrsBryan]

No, no apprenticeship, just a basic level 2 qualification. I have no issues with having to pay them back any costs they incurred but I a questioning whether they can legally hold my certificates as I believe they are my property.

[MrsBryan]

I really am just wondering if it is legal for them to be holding my certificates. I really need them for applying to uni and stuff.

[ZylaB]

I'm pretty sure they can't hold it as it's YOUR certificate in YOUR name. They may be able to charge you for the training, as you signed the form, but check that out with someone who knows more than me. With regards to the certificate and they're making it hard and you need it, then call the examining body, city and guilds, EDEXCEL etc, and they'll send you another copy of it, you'll probably have to pay ( I think city and guilds is about £30) but it might be worth it if you need it sooner rather than later?

[dulldeirdre]

NVQ = Not Very Qualified

[woolypigs]

Surely NVQs aren't to do with work as you can transfer them from job to job should you leave.

[dulldeirdre]

woolypigs

They are vocational qualifications in a range of different subjects. The certificate is evidence.