Does Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offer additional training programs, and are these programs required or optional?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After the Franchised Business opens, we will make available, at the time(s) and location(s) we designate, such other required and optional training programs as we deem necessary and appropriate. For training that we designate as required, the individuals that we designate are required to successfully complete the training. We have the right to provide the Training Program in person, by video, via the internet, or by other means, as we determine, and the training may be performed by us, our affiliates, or third parties.
Other learning opportunities based on job role are available but not required by the Franchise Agreement. Voluntary learning opportunities include: (i) instructor-led courses available through Success Academy and third-party vendors; (ii) webinars; and (iii) computer-based courses through Success Academy. No tuition is charged for these courses (except for certain third-party vendor courses as discussed below); however, you are responsible for other expenses incurred. If you choose to take advantage of voluntary learning opportunities available through third-party vendors, you may have to pay the third-party vendor its then current rate for such courses.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 46–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing does offer additional training programs after the initial franchise business opens. These programs can be either required or optional, depending on what Benjamin Franklin Plumbing deems necessary and appropriate. If a training program is designated as required, the individuals that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing specifies must successfully complete it. The training can be provided in person, by video, via the internet, or by other means, and may be conducted by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, its affiliates, or third parties.
In addition to required training, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing also provides voluntary learning opportunities based on job roles. These opportunities include instructor-led courses available through Success Academy and third-party vendors, webinars, and computer-based courses through Success Academy. While no tuition is charged for these courses (except for certain third-party vendor courses), franchisees are responsible for any other expenses incurred. If a franchisee chooses to participate in voluntary learning opportunities offered by third-party vendors, they may have to pay the vendor's current rate for the courses.
This means that franchisees must budget for both required and optional training. Required training may involve travel and accommodation costs, while optional training could incur expenses with third-party vendors. Franchisees should clarify with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing which additional training programs are required, the associated costs, and the specific roles for which voluntary learning opportunities are most beneficial to optimize their investment in training and development.