Potential lack of qualification for existing job position, Off shore worker without HNC Options

[Mayhem007]

I have been working in a permanent position offshore as an Instrument Technician for 6 months.
Normally these positions require you to have a HNC in instrument/control engineering, which I do not have.

I have just been sent an email by the boss, stating that they do not have a certificate on file. I did not specifically applyfor the position, I was approached by my present company, if they could put my CV forward to the client, which they did.I went for the interview and was obviously successful at being offered a job.
My CV states that the HNC was open learning and that it was ongoing and that I completed 4 modules. Three were with distinction and one was with a merit.I was never asked at the interview about my qualifications.
When I inform them that I do not have the qualification, can they now terminate my employment.

[Advertisement]

[Mayhem007]

Can't offer anything positive, a lot depends on various terms and conditions as to what is likely to happen.
Worst case is no job and no protection, totally unfair but AFAIK in the laps of the powers that be.

If contract terms between A and B says that A SHALL supply staff with HNC minimum then potential breach of contract plus massive claims should something go wrong which could be thought of as due to unqualified staff. Realistically A cannot leave you in place without the blessing of B.
However if terms are more open..."suitably qualified staff with HNC or suitable experience" for instance, then more favourable, especially as you have been doing the job for 6 months.

Best I can suggest is talk to your boss(es) both at A and B.

Thanks for the reply. You're quite right there is nothing much in the way of offering anything positive. I will be replying to the email after I have consulted with Teeside university and hopefully kick of the course. I believe they will give me credit for the modules already completed.

[DancingDad]

I would suggest a quiet chat with bosses first before answering email.
No reason just the way I've always dealt with things and it seems to have worked for me.
If you are doing your job right, your boss will not want to lose you and may well be able to pull strings.
If nothing else, you will hopefully have a better idea on how to answer and what repercussions are likely to be.
At worst have time to update CV, at best to know that this is simply a paperwork exercise and nowt to worry on.

[Foxy01]

Can't offer anything positive, a lot depends on various terms and conditions as to what is likely to happen.
Worst case is no job and no protection, totally unfair but AFAIK in the laps of the powers that be.

If contract terms between A and B says that A SHALL supply staff with HNC minimum then potential breach of contract plus massive claims should something go wrong which could be thought of as due to unqualified staff. Realistically A cannot leave you in place without the blessing of B.
However if terms are more open..."suitably qualified staff with HNC or suitable experience" for instance, then more favourable, especially as you have been doing the job for 6 months.

Best I can suggest is talk to your boss(es) both at A and B.

Thanks for the reply. You're quite right there is nothing much in the way of offering anything positive. I will be replying to the email after I have consulted with Teeside university and hopefully kick of the course. I believe they will give me credit for the modules already completed.

TeesSide to be pedantic. Dr John Bentley.

[Mayhem007]

I would suggest a quiet chat with bosses first before answering email.
No reason just the way I've always dealt with things and it seems to have worked for me.
If you are doing your job right, your boss will not want to lose you and may well be able to pull strings.
If nothing else, you will hopefully have a better idea on how to answer and what repercussions are likely to be.
At worst have time to update CV, at best to know that this is simply a paperwork exercise and nowt to worry on.

Considered your reply and on that basis, I will indeed speak directly, at least then it will not documented. My boss and I might be able to come to to some sort of mutual agreement, even if it ultimates in the termination of my employment

Can't offer anything positive, a lot depends on various terms and conditions as to what is likely to happen.
Worst case is no job and no protection, totally unfair but AFAIK in the laps of the powers that be.

If contract terms between A and B says that A SHALL supply staff with HNC minimum then potential breach of contract plus massive claims should something go wrong which could be thought of as due to unqualified staff. Realistically A cannot leave you in place without the blessing of B.
However if terms are more open..."suitably qualified staff with HNC or suitable experience" for instance, then more favourable, especially as you have been doing the job for 6 months.

Best I can suggest is talk to your boss(es) both at A and B.

Thanks for the reply. You're quite right there is nothing much in the way of offering anything positive. I will be replying to the email after I have consulted with Teeside university and hopefully kick of the course. I believe they will give me credit for the modules already completed.

TeesSide to be pedantic. Dr John Bentley.

It is a Dr. Alex something or other I think. I'll no for sure tomorrow

[Mayhem007]

I would suggest a quiet chat with bosses first before answering email.
No reason just the way I've always dealt with things and it seems to have worked for me.
If you are doing your job right, your boss will not want to lose you and may well be able to pull strings.
If nothing else, you will hopefully have a better idea on how to answer and what repercussions are likely to be.
At worst have time to update CV, at best to know that this is simply a paperwork exercise and nowt to worry on.

I well I did speak with my boss and explained that at the time of requesting for my CV to be sent to our company's client, I was registered with Teeside University and emphasised that my CV stated that studies were ongoing. I also advised that after being offered the job I was removed from the course for not completing 2 modules in the academic year.

I have then since been offered direct entry into the HNC program and that my previous modules can be transferred. However, I cannot start the remaining modules until 1st August this year. I forwarded the email to my my boss, their response simply said thank you for informing them of the continuation of studies.

I am returning to work 2 days earlier as they need cover, since one of my colleagues is off on compassionate. I have also completed 6 computer based training courses, whilst being at home and posted the certificates to them.

Given that they now have all the facts and my employment is still continuing, can they still terminate my employment at their discretion.

This post has been edited by Mayhem007: Sat, 13 Apr 2019 - 08:22

[DancingDad]

.....Given that they now have all the facts and my employment is still continuing, can they still terminate my employment at their discretion.

Same answer as before, yes, you have no protection under employment protection laws that require two years employed before protection kicks in.

Whether they will or not depends on how rigid they are on the HNC requirement and whether or not they want you working for them.
Given that your boss has not thrown his hands up and said your are screwed is a good sign.
That they came back with a neutral if not positive email re ongoing studies is also better then the No HNC, No Job option that was on the table.

All I can suggest is keep going until told otherwise, keep up with the studies and don't let that lapse again, keep your nose clean at work.

[Mayhem007]

Well an update on this. And a lot has happened.

The oil company has sold all their assets in the North Sea, which shouldn't be too difficult to figure out.
I am now the most experienced technician on the asset, since my back to back has now, just, resigned.
We had a couple of other leavers and now have to young lads, so hopefully my position has been strengthened.I am waiting until the end of this month to focus on the HNC modules, as I am currently studying for up and coming tradetests, having just successfully completed 6.
I don't wish to bore people, but, however, I will feel more secure when I have completed the 2 years in October; which is the main reason for ensuring this thread doesn't get lost in it's archives.

[The Rookie]

Sounds like they can't afford to be picky right now! Best of luck.