AIBU to expect to be able to stay in a job I am not qualified for

[Runningmouse]

I applied for a job I was (and am) not fully qualified for in the spring of 2021. Basically I really wanted the job, and I thought I could do it despite not having all the required diplomas (I'm smart, and I have held a similar position in an adjacent field).

Because of staff shortages and a lack of qualified applicants, I was hired on a temporary contract, which makes sense. Anyway, it turns out I was right and I've been doing well according to feedback from colleagues and clients. My colleagues now really want me to stay because we get along, work well together, and it is quite a complex role so it would be months before any new person (however qualified they may be) would feel comfortable and settled.

Unfortunately all this time my manager has been kind of holding out for a fully qualified person to come along. No one has so far, but he keeps indicating my time there is limited and he does not expect I'll be there longterm, bla bla. Meanwhile, I've invested lots of extra unpaid hours to learn about the field, master new skills etc, and I am starting to feel like an idiot for doing so. I'd definitely be willing to go back to school & take the required courses in order to become fully qualified, but I'd have to actually follow a programme which would mean I'd need time off during the day. And I'm not getting that because of staff shortages - they need me all day, every day. I think my employer thinks the shortages will just magically disappear soon and he won't have to invest in me at all, and meanwhile I'll do the work and keep the company afloat.

AIBU to think that by now I deserve better, and my manager should let me take the course?

Honestly, I'd just do the course and tell him and more senior people of your interest and commitment. I've got lots of staff and those with higher qualifications aren't always the best for the jobs - you'd be snapped up in my teams (depending on your field lol 😆)

I agree with a chat with HR.

They can't and aren't getting someone with the qualifications.

They can and do have you.

So either they accept a non qualified person who can do the role or they want qualified and the only way they appear to be able to secure that is to get you qualified.

I'd make it sound like you aren't willing to hang around and wait until they get someone else and you're putting the ball in their court.

Dependent on that outcome of that chat I'd then put it clearer - you aren't prepared to be a next best whilst doing a job and meeting the requirements and will be looking to move elsewhere where you're valued for your contribution.

You can’t force the manager to send you on the course/let you go on the course. Is it expensive/lengthy?

What leverage do you have-could you go and work unqualified in another company?

How temporary is 18 months when after years they'd have to make you redundant rather than let you just go?

Surely there comes a point where temporary is actually permanent?

Hmmmm. I'd never go to hr without speaking to my manager as I'd need their backing to do any additional training.
If you really want to peruse this career you need to go ahed and do the training with or without the support of this company.

As previously suggested, set out the business case for your gaining the qualification and taking the time out.
Also research as to whether there is any funding for the company to pay for your qualification.

I think it depends on what it is, if it’s something lie accountancy or something which really should require a formal qualification then I think it’s fine they have been honest with you. It really isn’t hugely relevant you’ve mates there and you like it, it really is about what they wish for the job and where they see it going.

I think if youve been there 2 years (which you nearly have) you get some employment rights even if only on a temp contract.

I know our NHS locums get rights after 2 years and theirs are just rolling temporary contracts.

I would check this discretely somewhere