Free Training courses – legal or illegal?
In the current economic climate there is an increasing trend where some Training and Coaching companies are claiming to give free place on training courses.
There are (fortunately) strict guidelines laid out by the government for companies using the word free and this in effect means that you cannot be charged for anything. Any materials, refreshments etc must be provided for free or not al all.
If you see any training company claiming to give you a free course and then try and charge you a fee for the training material, lunch etc please report them to Trading Standards for websites on 08454 04 05 06, if you see the adverts in print then report them to the ASA
We know that times are tough and that companies are trying to be innovative – but we must all stay legal.
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5 Responses to “Free Training courses – legal or illegal?”
Comment from Glenn Harris
Time March 13, 2010 at 09:17
Mike, when the government can apply their own rules to their own departments then I think it is an issue.
They don’t provide food and drink or travel for these, people still have to pay something. How far do you take it?
Admittedly there are some that do try to hide the costs behind the free course banner and yes something should be done about that.
But if you are up front and state the training itself (I also include my materials) is free. However, there is a cost for the food and drink as well as the room hire etc… If you break it down to;
Training RRP £100 = Free
Food, Drink and room hire = £15 per person
Then I do not see anything wrong with it.
But the Government say 1 thing and do another and I have not seen “Strict Guidelines” that they have published, a link would be good if you have one.
Comment from rapidbi
Time March 14, 2010 at 15:58
Hi Glen, I need to find my original source – but cannot on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
what you are doing is right – what I was referring to was a “scam” some large providers are doing, claiming something is free, then expecting people to pay for materials, certificates etc when they arrive at the event.
Transparency is all that is needed to be legal
Mike
Comment from Glenn Harris
Time March 14, 2010 at 20:57
I am too honest for my own good to be a scammer!
I phoned someone who wanted to have 2 days access training, my first question was to ask them why. After a chat on the phone we solved most of his issues and he is now able to call me when he runs into the next problem.
Yes I could have played the, you need to do this course etc… after all, he had asked for it. However, I would never feel right having done so.
Won’t make me money rich but it sure makes me feel like a better person.
The problem is Mike, some of the biggest companies out there use the method you have posted. It taints the rest of us.
Glenn
Comment from rapidbi
Time March 15, 2010 at 17:58
Hi Glenn
that is our challenge – give enough to add value – but not enough to lose a fee paying client.. its a difficult balance
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Comment from Paula Jones
Time January 21, 2009 at 14:02
I have also encountered this recently…”yes it’s free but we have to cover the costs of blah blah blah..” Yes, well it isn’t free then, is it!
Thanks for bringing this to the fore Mike.