Vocational training

Training which results in a formal qualification is normally college or correspondence based, although occasionally it may be office based. Initially, you should discuss your intended course of study with your manager and Human Resources.

You may be allowed to use work time to attain a qualification depending on:

• staffing in your section

• whether the intended qualification is appropriate to yours and the Council's needs

• cost

• the amount of work time involved

• any previous support given

• your manager's support

Once agreed, you will normally receive full salary during the course, reimbursement of course fees, exam fees and student membership fees of professional bodies plus travel and subsistence allowances. Continued support for study is dependent on you showing satisfactory progress. If you leave the Council during your course or within two years of completing the qualification, you may be required to repay a proportion of the financial assistance which you have received.