Undertaking To Repay Costs Incorrect During External Training Costs

[Medi93]

Hello,


I am hoping you can help as I have been desperately seeking it regarding the matter of this ‘agreement’ as I am hoping to leave my place of work once I complete my apprenticeship to continue into the career path at a higher level. I asked ACAS and they said they weren't sure what would happen if I left.


To give a little outlining. I started at the company as a full time role and about 8 months into the employment they put me into the AAT Course as an apprentice. However they made me sign this agreement before doing so but they haven’t explained or broken down the cost of the ‘£2000’ which is handwritten on. I am feeling this is more of a scare tactic but I was wanting to see where I stand if I do wish to leave after my course finishes. I have included the letter below.


Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am currently at a loss here and it's starting to affect me mentally as I feel as though I am trapped with no sign of help.

[ULA]

My interpretation of what you have signed is an agreement to repay the costs of the training should you leave within 24 months of completing the course. This is not unusual given that if a company is making an investment in further training they expect to derive a benefit from that training once the person has completed it. They have also recognised by way of the reducing scale over 24 months that at the end of that time they have recouped the cost of the training in the value that the training has brought to the company in terms of your enhances skills and knowledge.

The fact that the figure is handwritten is not an issue and if you were suspicious about the figure then the easiest thing would be to ask them to provide evidence by way of an invoice paid to the training provider. The only issue would be that is not covered is any arrangement to pay should you leave owing a large proportion of the figure and this being greater than any salary due.

[Medi93]

My interpretation of what you have signed is an agreement to repay the costs of the training should you leave within 24 months of completing the course. This is not unusual given that if a company is making an investment in further training they expect to derive a benefit from that training once the person has completed it. They have also recognised by way of the reducing scale over 24 months that at the end of that time they have recouped the cost of the training in the value that the training has brought to the company in terms of your enhances skills and knowledge.

The fact that the figure is handwritten is not an issue and if you were suspicious about the figure then the easiest thing would be to ask them to provide evidence by way of an invoice paid to the training provider. The only issue would be that is not covered is any arrangement to pay should you leave owing a large proportion of the figure and this being greater than any salary due.

Ok, so basically I am stuck here for 2 years under this cost?

Despite it being an apprenticeship and from my understanding and what I have read online they can't legally charge the cost of the apprenticeship to the learner? The only thing they have contributed to the training other than that is my AAT Membership which was around £90. I have had to do this apprenticeship through Day Release as my College no longer allows apprenticeships to do this course via a night class if that makes any difference?

[ULA]

Where you employed directly by the company and if so did you sign an apprenticeship agreement? Or