on-job training, contracts?

[simi_gb]

I've been working for my company as a computer technician now for about 3 years.

Around 6 months ago, i was offered the chance to take up further training to enhance my skills for the job, and then take exams at the end of the 18 month long training period. However, due to the amount of training costs involved, i was told that should i pull out, or leave the company whilst training was underway, i would be liable for any extra money outstanding.

After a few days mulling over it, i accepted the offer, and that was that. There were no contratcs, no paperwork - just a verbal, 'yes, ok put me on the course'. Since then, i've seen hide nor hare of the training course confirmations, have not started to my knowledge any formal training course (as promised) and am looking to embark on a career change and consequently leave the company.

Does anybody know, or can advise if:

a) The company can enforce the agreement made regarding the costs, and,

b) if they did, could i reject to pay them stating that no contract was ever signed to hold me to the agreement, and that i had never been given any formal acknowledgement of my acceptence onto the course, e.g. registration documents etc.

thanks in advance :-)

[xrayspecs]

It may be worth asking if the training is still going ahead. You're not liable for the costs of training that didn't take place even if you signed a contract. You would obviously need to play it by ear at the time you are ready to hand your notice in. In the meantime I would force the issue by writing to your training department saying that as the training has yet to start, and you've had no formal notification of when that will be, you are withdrawing yourself from the progamme. Copy the letter/email to your line manager and keep a copy for yourself. You have then made your intentions clear and put the ball in their court.