I've been in IT Support for about 5 years now and in my current position for 2 (2nd line PC\Network\Server support on £20K). When I was interviewed for this job, MCSE training was mentioned, it has just come to light again and have been offered an 18 month passport, but I have to sign a contract to pay it back if I leave the company within 12 months of completing. It's 5K so I really wouldn't be able to afford to leave for nearly 3 years.
I'm not sure that my current role will satisfy me for another 3 years, we arn't exactly at the forefront of technology and havn't really got involved in W2K yet so XP is out of the question. If I don't sign the contract I am basically saying that I don't want to work here and don't look committed. This is causing alot of uproar in our office at the moment, but I can see it from the companies point of view.
I have already self studied for 70-210 exam and passed, I asked if I could meet the company half way and have half classroom training and half self-study but they won't go for that. It's an all or nothing situation and in a time when redundancies are being made, I feel if I don't sign it then i'll be next.
My main questions are, should I be looking at working for a company who are willing to trust this investment in me, should I be looking for a higher position?. The IT market is slow at the moment, should I stick with it and walk out with an MCSE in 2.5 years time, but what will a Win2K MCSE be worth then?
Big questions I know. Also, has anyone ever heard of prospective employers willing to buy employee's out of these Clawback contracts. I have never heard of these contracts for people studying for MCSE's only for SAP, CISCO training etc. The company will not be willing to pay what we are worth as MCSE's and it's doubtful that we will ever get any budget to actually start to move the companies IT infrastructure forward anyway.
Any Career advice greatly appreciated.
I'm not sure that my current role will satisfy me for another 3 years, we arn't exactly at the forefront of technology and havn't really got involved in W2K yet so XP is out of the question. If I don't sign the contract I am basically saying that I don't want to work here and don't look committed. This is causing alot of uproar in our office at the moment, but I can see it from the companies point of view.
I have already self studied for 70-210 exam and passed, I asked if I could meet the company half way and have half classroom training and half self-study but they won't go for that. It's an all or nothing situation and in a time when redundancies are being made, I feel if I don't sign it then i'll be next.
My main questions are, should I be looking at working for a company who are willing to trust this investment in me, should I be looking for a higher position?. The IT market is slow at the moment, should I stick with it and walk out with an MCSE in 2.5 years time, but what will a Win2K MCSE be worth then?
Big questions I know. Also, has anyone ever heard of prospective employers willing to buy employee's out of these Clawback contracts. I have never heard of these contracts for people studying for MCSE's only for SAP, CISCO training etc. The company will not be willing to pay what we are worth as MCSE's and it's doubtful that we will ever get any budget to actually start to move the companies IT infrastructure forward anyway.
Any Career advice greatly appreciated.