23 replies to this topic

[huffhuff]

Yesterday, I received a call from somebody in HR to say they are cancelling the July intake! They have given me possible dates for September, October and December. I can make the week-long, but not all of the subsequent training weekends. I rang them last week and asked if it was still a-go-go for July, the lady said yes. So based on that, I have paid over £1000 for something that takes place alternate weekends from mid October to February. Rather annoying, these are when the training weekends are for all intakes before Christmas. I also have a trip away booked for the beginning of December (that i'm already out of pocket on for re-arranging dates to fit in with July intake).

I really an both angry and upset. I have given up so much for this opportunity already, only to be tripped up at the last minute. I so badly want to carry on but cannot justify the loss of money if I cancel everything and go with training. ARGHHHH

I appreciate there is nothing anybody can do - I just needed to vent. I really am feeling quite deflated now!

huff-huff-a-roo

[Special Dibble]

What did you pay a grand for?

[huffhuff]

A place on something that is not refundable. Hobby related.

Edited by huffhuff, 02 June 2012 - 10:08 PM.

[Peteee]

That really sucks. Can you put training off until you've done your pheasant thing?

Edited by Peteee, 02 June 2012 - 10:08 PM.

[huffhuff]

I'm assuming I can put it off until next year (fingers crossed they don't stop taking on specials). Not sure how that would wrk in terms of medical, and fitness still being valid?!?

Maybe I was being over-dramatic and sulking I'll see if I can sell the days I can't make to try and recoup some of the cost.

[tdcist]

I heard on Thursday night that this was happening... I bet it's because of the Olympics!

There's a big gap between me finishing training and attesting for that reason.

On the medical and fitness front, they will probably delay doing this until a few weeks before u start, or make u do them again

[huffhuff]

I heard on Thursday night that this was happening... I bet it's because of the Olympics!

There's a big gap between me finishing training and attesting for that reason.

On the medical and fitness front, they will probably delay doing this until a few weeks before u start, or make u do them again

I've already done them (and taken days off as holiday to do so). Fingers crossed I won't have to repeat!

[cargo]

I've already done them (and taken days off as holiday to do so). Fingers crossed I won't have to repeat!

You will need to repeat at least the fitness and tbh probably the medical as well, to say you are well enough and fit enough to train, fitness needs to be no more than 6 weeks before, sorry Huff!

I heard on Thursday night that this was happening... I bet it's because of the Olympics!

Probably on the money there, that and euro and ........

Maybe I was being over-dramatic and sulking I'll see if I can sell the days I can't make to try and recoup some of the cost.

Good luck with the recouping.

[timtim]

That really sucks huffhuff! I hope you can re-do it in the new year I know how much you were looking forward to it...

I bet there are many people who are disappointed too, booking time off etc. Although many may not of paid £1000 towards a 'hobby thing' (sounds secretive...)

timtim

[huffhuff]

Just an update.

I'm going to join the September intake. It means missing 5 of the 10 days shooting I have booked but hey ho. I really want to do this so sacrifices have to be made. I've gone in with a friend, half-gun each so it should work out ok and means I only lose £250ish.

The only problem now, is the trip away that's booked. It means I miss a day of protection training. I'm assuming I can't be attested until it's completed so will mean delaying attestation (although still waiting for HR to confirm)

Thanks for the interest guys and sorry for sulking

[tango2082]

Just an update.

I'm going to join the September intake. It means missing 5 of the 10 days shooting I have booked but hey ho. I really want to do this so sacrifices have to be made. I've gone in with a friend, half-gun each so it should work out ok and means I only lose £250ish.

The only problem now, is the trip away that's booked. It means I miss a day of protection training. I'm assuming I can't be attested until it's completed so will mean delaying attestation (although still waiting for HR to confirm)

Thanks for the interest guys and sorry for sulking

I'm sure you'll find it's worth it - I know it's frustrating to lose some of your trip, but in a few years time it'll be this that you remember (hopefully ) There were a couple of guys that missed one days staff protection training in our intake, as it was only 1 day the trainers didn't seem to mind too much - I think they did a pretty brief catch up session, make friends with your colleagues on the 1st part of the training and see if anyone wants to meet in the gym one night between sessions to practice - and show you what you missed! We used to use the gym from time to time when noone was about in the evening just to make sure we had it nailed. I think as long as you pass the knowledge checks and practicals then you're ok.

Have fun!

[huffhuff]

Thanks tango2082. I'm hoping I will be able to 'catch up' as opposed to delaying attestation. I imagine you grow quite close with your intake, so attesting at a different time would be a bit pooh.

Cheers

Ben

[Rocket]

Excellent news Ben.

Onwards and upwards!

[cargo]

The only problem now, is the trip away that's booked. It means I miss a day of protection training. I'm assuming I can't be attested until it's completed so will mean delaying attestation (although still waiting for HR to confirm)

Huff,

It's not sulking yet!
It might all depend on which part of the SPT module you miss, but if you don't get any joy out of HR try talking to the SPT direct, they are approachable - honest.

[Waddle]

Just an update.

I'm going to join the September intake. It means missing 5 of the 10 days shooting I have booked but hey ho. I really want to do this so sacrifices have to be made. I've gone in with a friend, half-gun each so it should work out ok and means I only lose £250ish.

The only problem now, is the trip away that's booked. It means I miss a day of protection training. I'm assuming I can't be attested until it's completed so will mean delaying attestation (although still waiting for HR to confirm)

Thanks for the interest guys and sorry for sulking

You should be ok mate with attesting, dependent on what you miss may delay your ability to go out on duty however. I missed out on one lesson due to personal issues and was still able to attest but had to complete a catch up session at HQ, which are usually day time during the week.
But wait to see what HR (SPT team may be a better option) say, September will be here before you know it!

Edited by Waddle, 11 June 2012 - 10:34 AM.

[huffhuff]

Thanks Rocket (wink wink), cargo and Waddle.

How would I speak to the SPT team? Looking at dates, it would be one day I miss. There are 7 Saturdays of 'Protection Training' and I will miss the penultimate day.

Cheers

[Waddle]

Thanks Rocket (wink wink), cargo and Waddle.

How would I speak to the SPT team? Looking at dates, it would be one day I miss. There are 7 Saturdays of 'Protection Training' and I will miss the penultimate day.

Cheers

I think that is the one I missed, if you have the HR number I'm sure they will be able to assist you.

[Kilo Sierra]

I'm seriously looking to cancel my transfer, due to this course been cancelled, as it really doesn't make any sense for me to loose my IPS, have to learn HertsCON protocol, then have to transfer back to StaffsPOL in Jan, once my contracts up. As by the time i train, i'll only likely get a month or 2 of duties.

Given that to trasfer anywhere i would need to have my IPS, i can't risk losing it on a Herts jolly. Sad really.

Sorry to hear that others have been screwed over.

J

[huffhuff]

All seems under control now. Full steam ahead for September training.

I will still miss 4 out of the 10 days of my hobby thing, but hey ho. Sacrifices have to be made. I managed to sell half the days on so not making a complete loss

I still can't make one Saturday of protection training due to being on Holiday. HR say this day can be taken during the week instead so I can catch up - result.

However, as they cancelled the original July dates, it means I have to retake my fitness!

[tdcist]

Ah you passed it once not so long ago... You'll be fine

[huffhuff]

Ah you passed it once not so long ago... You'll be fine

But you don't know how many pies i've eaten since

[tdcist]

Unless uve sat in a chair and done nothing but eat pies constantly... Like a man on a pie eating mission... I'm sure you'll be ok lol

[social misfit]

you end up doing it a couple of times during OST too ,everyone loves a beep test....

[tdcist]

Was it 3 more times in the end?? 1 as a warm up Craig did, then the 8.4 one for 30-40s fighting time... Then the pairs one?? Did I miss any more?? If I did its probably because I enjoyed them so much I forgot all about them!!!!!!