Travel Expenses

[Diesel]

Starting Engineering HNC at Glasgow this August with CMT and wondering about Travel Expenses, as I live near to college I don't want to live in student accommodation and would either drive or use the train but confused as to how travel expenses work, if I choose to use car how would it work, ie - what could I claim if I can? Also if I use public transport would I just buy a pass then claim back the money for it or would I be given a pass?

[JonathanI]

Generally companies will only pay for your travel to and from college at the start/ end of the term so they won't pay for your every day travel.

[cadetjlc]

Starting Engineering HNC at Glasgow this August with CMT and wondering about Travel Expenses, as I live near to college I don't want to live in student accommodation and would either drive or use the train but confused as to how travel expenses work, if I choose to use car how would it work, ie - what could I claim if I can? Also if I use public transport would I just buy a pass then claim back the money for it or would I be given a pass?

I'd give your sponsor a call. If they pay for your accommodation, they may be willing to pay your travel costs instead, if halls aren't necessary - as long as travel costs would be no more than ?390 a month. It is true what Johnathanl said though, companies usually only pay travel costs to and from college at the start and end of term, and travel costs to join your vessel.

[Diesel]

Yeah I had thought that at first, read on their site

Expenses can only be claimed back for Trainees travelling to and from the college on the first and last day of each phase and for college holidays. You must send all receipts in with your expense claim.

And thought at first it was only travel for first and last day, then thought the expenses could be only be claimed on the first and last days for the whole phase haha.

[Midge]

Some companies do not pay travel to and from college or pay for accommodation. Just thought I would mention it, wise to check and ask exactly what is or isn't covered so you don't get any nasty surprises.
Think there was a thread about needing to pay accommodation upfront at some colleges before receiving your first months money, think it catches people out not expecting that and not having included it in your financial plans.

[HolyNougat]

Most companies will insist you live in Halls for the first phase.
I would check they are happy for you to stay at home first.

[Diesel]

Thanks for the heads up, but I won't know my company until college, so will have to find out of my training officer after I pass the medical and that.

[Clanky]

Your college expenses will be dealt with by CMT, not your sponsoring company.

[Stevemac83]

Im studying my first phase at the moment up in Shetland through CMT. We had to pay our 1st months accommodation up front. As far as i believe they only pay travel to and from college at the start/end of each college phase. The guys on my course that live in Shetland and dont actually stay in the halls dont get anything for daily travel to and from the college.

CMT pay us a monthly training allowance and out of this we have to pay our accommodation, food, daily expenses etc. If you dont have to stay in the halls then count yourself lucky, even if you have to pay ?100 p/month for travel you will still be far better off financially than the guys that live in the halls. Saying that, the money we recieve from CMT is a training allowance to cover all these expenses and not a wage.

Good luck in your studies and i hope everything works out for you. I hope this is of some help to you.

[The Kraken]

CMT only pay expenses at the start/end of a phase or term breaks. You have to print off a expenses form and post it to them, the money is then usually added to your next sponsorship payment.

[Lewis]

I'd still consider staying in halls even if you are close. I'm from Hamilton but still choose to stay in St Lukes. I think the guys who travel feel a bit isolated from the rest of the class.

[EH75]

Would agree with the above. Good banter staying in halls.