Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Working saying I have to do a further Qualification

35 replies

Bopper123 · 08/09/2021 13:10

I'm just after so work advise as I'm stuck.

I started working for a company in 2018 after having my 1st child. There was brief mention of having to do some further qualifications but nothing was ever set in stone as I really didn't have the time or energy. I did 9 months on this role then I got a seconded role which was different to my original role so no more mention of the further qualifications. I went on mat leave to have my 2nd and I've been back for a few months in my substantive post.
I've just had a conversation with my boss who's told me I have to apply to do the further qualification by the 24th of September. In total this distance learning will take FIVE YEARS.

I'm absolutely gutted. I have two young children and work part time. I cant commit to this time and now totally lost as to where I stand?
Can work make me do this?

Can they let me go or will I have to leave?

I've had a look at my original application and it says in essential criteria "willing to work towards X qualification" my contract has nothing in about it.

I spoke to ACAS who said as its on the application I need to speak to HR at my company but there isnt one as company too small.

Thanks

OP posts:
Iovina · 08/09/2021 13:25

Five years means it will only be part time. It's amazing that you're with a company that will fund you to get qualified! Ask for some study leave - perhaps you can negotiate a day a month?

Original poster
Bopper123 · 08/09/2021 13:50

Thanks for the reply. 5 Years would be full time so I don't know how long it would take me to do it as I work 3 days a week.

If this was at another time yes maybe it would be good but with a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old it's just not.

I Will see what I can negotiate as they want me to do it in my own time (like I have any!)

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 08/09/2021 13:56

Some immediate questions I'd have for your employer:

How will the training be given? Face to face, e-learning, at a campus etc? Who covers the costs of travel? Will they cover the cost of childcare for you to access this training?

How many hours per week do they see you needing to study, and how much of that will you be paid for / can you do some of it in job time? Will you be granted study leave, basically, especially if exams or essays are involved. Who pays for the exam entrance fee (if there are any)? What happens about resits if you fail a module? Who pays for those, what study time will you be granted etc. How many fails are permitted and can you be sacked for failing? What's the process for this if it happens?

Is this qualification transderable to another employer? What does it cost this company? If you leave before qualifying, will you be required to pay back the costs? Do they require you to work there for a minimum period after qualifying when you would have to pay it back or can you just leave?

TDMN · 08/09/2021 14:07

Some excellent questions from PinkFootstool, i'd also be seeing if there was a way to reduce the duration of the course, as 5 years seems like a hell of a long time especially as its full time like you say. Maybe post what course it is and people might have suggestions you can take back your employer?
Seems weird that you MUST get qualified but they are happy to wait 5 years for that to actually happen?

Original poster
Bopper123 · 08/09/2021 14:19

Hi @PinkFootstool thank you for your reply these are all great questions so I will ask my employer.

I've asked a work friend whos doing it and she has to spend 4 or 5 hours of her own time a weekend studying. I just don't have this much free time :(

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 08/09/2021 14:26

What is the qualification? Not if it's outing, but I assume degree plus post-grad if it's 5yrs full time?

Original poster
Bopper123 · 08/09/2021 14:31

@PinkFootstool Its MCIPs
Levels 4 to 6 (so basically a degree equivalent)

OP posts:
Original poster
Bopper123 · 08/09/2021 14:32

Sorry if it wasn't clear - it says it will take 5 years if you work full time and do it in your own time

OP posts:
Original poster
Bopper123 · 08/09/2021 14:38

Hi, @TDMN thanks for your reply.

Yes it's a distance learning course.

I've spoken to someone who is doing it at the moment and they have said it hasn't given them anything to help them with their actual job which makes me dispare even more :(

OP posts:
KingsleyShacklebolt · 14/09/2021 08:25

You're only working part time though. Your work are funding a recognised, valuable qualification to degree/postgrad standard, which once you have it, is likely to improve your job prospects considerably. If you really wanted to do it, you'd find the 4 or 5 hours a week from somewhere.

But it seems very clear from the language you use that the time is a red herring, you just don't want to do the study.

SaturdaySpread · 14/09/2021 08:30

It's excellent news that the cokpanybwant to support and fund you for this. See if you can do it as an apprenticeship, that way the company don't pay the fees, but are obliged to give you time off to study. Win Win.

burnoutbabe · 14/09/2021 08:35

I imagine if you refuse they can make you redundant, the tile required x qualification (or working towards it) in their eyes.

They may not do that but they would be within their rights to do so.

redtshirt50 · 14/09/2021 08:45

Why did you apply for the job if you didn't want to the the qualification?

worrybutterfly · 14/09/2021 08:52

I also think this sounds like a great opportunity. I get it's hard to find time around two children, but 4-5 hours a week could be one evening a week.

If the advert said 'willingness to work towards' then I think you at least have to show you're willing to work towards an agreement with them.

Maybe that could be:

  • 1 study day a month, then you'll only have to find 8 hours a month in your own time.
  • money towards 1 more half day in childcare for your DC until their free hours kick in.
  • delaying or studying at a slower pace until your eldest starts school.
  • working 2 long days and 1 short day, then studying in the the afternoon of the short day.

It might be tough for the first year. But you say your eldest is 4, so they'll be starting school soon. That'll free up a lot of time. Then you're youngest should get 30 free childcare hours in 1-2years, making it a lot more doable.

LIZS · 14/09/2021 09:01

Dn't commit to it unless you are confident you can see it through. Most employers will make funding conditional on completing the qualification and if you drop out or fail you may be liable for costs. You need to go back and express your concerns, ask what other options are available.

Elieza · 14/09/2021 09:06

Ask the questions as above pps.

See what they answer. Especially regarding childcare issues etc.

You’re past the two year point so that’s good as you have more security than if you were just in the door.

I’d also ask;
Will this qualification boost your earnings with the company?

When would you expect me to get this qualification? ie how long do i get to do it?

I’d also ask myself if it would be a good thing to have. Once DC are in school you could presumably have more time on your hands so you could do a little now and more then?

Edmontine · 14/09/2021 09:11

@Bopper123

Sorry if it wasn't clear - it says it will take 5 years if you work full time and do it in your own time
So - as you already work part time you’ll be able to get through the course more quickly?

As with others here I’m uncertain why you wouldn’t welcome this opportunity. Are you feeling insecure about your ability to manage the coursework?

Obviously they can’t force you to take it on. But if your industry generally employs people at your level and above who have the qualification then you are effectively under-qualified for your role. And unlikely to progress in your career.

But of course it’s up to you. Which is more trouble - part time study, or finding another job?

ListeriaWane · 14/09/2021 09:45

I think this is one of those where a company can’t win.

If you came back from maternity leave and your employers said they were no longer making this course available because they’re concerned you won’t have the time or motivation, you’d complain about that too.

Honestly, it’s a great opportunity and one that was set out to you at application stage. You’ve been given plenty of notice, have years to complete it.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

toomuchfaster · 14/09/2021 10:03

I can't comment on your specific situation but in my job it's a requirement for the office to have people that are qualified or working towards becoming qualified. That means if you don't complete the training in a timely manner, 2 years in my case, you are let go as the office can be reprimanded and more severe consequences.

TwooThirty · 14/09/2021 10:10

I think you must be absolutely shattered to not see this as a positive. And with 2 young children I can see why. Do you have a DP? Can you talk with them about picking up more of the slack?

Bluntness100 · 14/09/2021 15:49

I also think this is an amazing opportunity and you could do less than an hour a day. But it’s clear you just don’t want to do it at all. I think you need to be honest.

BadgerWatch · 14/09/2021 15:57

Don't be fooled into thinking it will be easier to study when your children are a bit older. I had to do a work qualification when mine were similar ages and although I was really tired at least I could study when they were asleep. It's a lot harder to find the time now theyre school age and there is homework to help with, afterschool clubs etc.

atalossaboutwhattodo · 14/09/2021 18:41

I studied OU with 3 kids under 5 or 6 (too knackered to remember Wink) Soft play is actually a great study place if you can type up essays on your phone. The one I went to was relatively quiet on weekdays and my kids could run about freely. I found taking a laptop there too much hence phone.

Panda2021 · 14/09/2021 18:48

I think this is great, I’m in the exact opposite situation- want my employer to put me through a course that every single one of my colleagues has done but kept being told no as I’m part time and they can’t spare me the time!!

PigletJohn · 14/09/2021 23:13

Is this the sort of qual where you get a Part 1, Part 2 etc?

With a pay rise after each successful part?

And where being part-qualified increases your employability and value, to other employers as well?

Swipe left for the next trending thread