Has Anyone Been Put through Their Class 1 By A Company?

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

Hello,

Has anyone with a Class 2 licence, got a job with a firm and then been put through their class 1 by the firm?

I’m wondering if this is a good or a bad thing. Are you more likely to be paid less? Will the company be hard work with you if you wanted to leave (because they’ve paid for your class 1)?

I’m just concerned that it’s not a nice as it seems when a company offers to put you through you class 1 and pay for it. What are the Pro’s and Con’s.

Thanks for any information!

Jasmine :smiley:

2

Would also like to know this :sunglasses:

3

The company I’m with put a few class 2 drivers through class 1, we had to sign a contract saying we’d pay the course back if we left before 2 years which is reduced every 6 months by a quarter. I’d been there 7 and a half years on class 2 so another 2 won’t hurt me. We also got put onto class 1 pay rate aswell.

4

Desperate:
The company I’m with put a few class 2 drivers through class 1, we had to sign a contract saying we’d pay the course back if we left before 2 years which is reduced every 6 months by a quarter. I’d been there 7 and a half years on class 2 so another 2 won’t hurt me. We also got put onto class 1 pay rate aswell.

I was put through both and left a year after passing my class 1 as my wage didn’t reflect my position, I was still getting a basic wage, part of the deal was that I didn’t leave within 2 years after passing, but as they wouldn’t increase my wage to the going rate, I walked, I was issued with threats of legal proceedings and all sorts, didn’t care, had another job lined up, which I’m still in and couldn’t be happier, the done me a favour in more ways than 1

5

Company put me through mine (and a fair few of my colleagues). None of us were required to sign agreements, remain with the company or agree to repay anything in the event we left.

6

Thanks Guys. It sounds like it depends which company you work for. These questions could always be asked in an interview I guess.

Thanks again

Jasmine

7

The company I’ve just got a start with are putting my through class 1 and ADR training…

Asked me to sign in disclaimer basically saying that if I leave in the first 12 months I’m to pay back all training fees.

8

I got an informal offer (agency but they all know me there) but I don’t think I will go for it.

I think it’s a 2 year thing, and they skim a little off your paycheck… Doesn’t seem too good a deal for me. Also I don’t want to be driving there every day, I don’t really want to work fridges, and I can’t do their shift patterns anyway (5-3 or 4-4).

Strangely enough the agency lifestyle really does work for me. I can ask for days off if I need them (exams, doctors etc.) without having to use up holiday days. And i’m getting paid the same as the class 1 drivers at this place (they only have class 2 drivers off agency to fill a sub-contracting job).

So you can do it if you like the company I guess, but my personal preference would be to do it myself. That way I’m not beholden to anybody (I can just up-sticks whenever. If you want to move city or something you’ve got to make sure the company will let you change depot maybe, or pay for your training anyway).

9

I would fear your going to be the new ■■■■■, the boss could always bring it up when asking for more from you.

I did my licences on interest free credit cards, spread it over 18+ months and you can change jobs as much as you like.

10

You usually get “tied in” to the job if a company puts you through the training, about 2 years, this is not always a good thing, they may seem very nice, job tidy etc, & all the rest , but that can alter & turn into dogs body etc. Best save up & do your own test, & then the choice is yours where & when & type of work you want to do, & no worries of being tied to a company , or have payback fees to worry about bearing in mind you probably would be on a low wage to start with.
Another point is also , you will probably have to go to the provider of the companies choice, which doesn’t nesessarily mean they are good, & also you need a trine you ca get on with & understand without a " personality clash " , & what happens if you fail first time & have a retest …who pays for this & are you going to get yourself into deeper debt “tied in” to the company & on a low wage, …or maybe fail a few times …& not accomplish your goal.
I m not trying to paint a black picture here , but do think carefully about this arrangement.