Is a Big O Tires trainee entitled to compensation from Big O Tires or the Trainer during the Certification Program?
Big_O_Tires Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Trainee Status. During the Term of the Certification Program, Trainee acknowledges and agrees that he will not be an employee of Big O or of the Trainer, nor will Trainee have any authority to bind or obligate Big O or the Trainer in any manner whatsoever. Trainee shall not receive nor be entitled to receive any compensation whatsoever from either Big O or the Trainer for any services rendered or any work performed during any portion of the Term of the Certification Program. Neither Big O nor the Trainer will be required or obligated to provide any worker's compensation insurance or any other insurance coverage to Trainee during the Term of the Certification Program. Trainee agrees that s/he will be required to provide for his/her own insurance coverage, including worker's compensation coverage, health insurance, and general liability insurance coverage throughout the Term of the Certification Program.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 102–535)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Big O Tires Franchise Disclosure Document, a trainee in the Certification Program will not receive compensation from either Big O Tires or the Trainer. The trainee acknowledges that they will not be considered an employee of Big O Tires or the Trainer during the program.
Specifically, the FDD states that the trainee is not entitled to any compensation for services rendered or work performed during any part of the Certification Program. Furthermore, Big O Tires and the Trainer are not obligated to provide worker's compensation insurance or any other insurance coverage to the trainee during the program's term. The trainee is responsible for obtaining their own insurance coverage, including worker's compensation, health, and general liability insurance.
This arrangement means that individuals undergoing the Big O Tires Certification Program do so without pay and must bear the costs of their own insurance. This is a potentially significant expense for trainees and should be factored into their financial planning. It is important for prospective franchisees to understand these conditions before committing to the Certification Program.