Hi Madcal
Firstly I would ask what training they are offering for free and why? What would the cost be if you had to pay it yourself because you are normally looking at close to £2000 for the Instructors course. Sounds "too good to be true" to me given there are probably a number of instructors available who would be looking for work?
What does the 3 week course give you? Normal Instructor course is 10 days for the initial registration so why would it be longer and free?
I worked as a sub-contractor many years ago (in a different career admittedly) but got told when I started..we have more days work than you can imagine...didn't get paid for month 3 which totally screwed me financially and took me a year plus a bailiff warrant to get the money so that stopped that career.
Yes, there is work available for instructors but like anything its a catch 22 of what experience do you have as an instructor...none..oh well we can't employ you then...but how do I get experience??
Admittedly, back before COVID decided to make an appearance there were a number of companies advertising for Instructors and most would be as a sub-contractor, I guess its easier to have somebody available rather than sitting twiddling their thumbs in the office and I think you then become liable for your own tax and NI etc so less costs to them.
The big question too is...can you afford to jump ship into the unknown? Plus, what happens if you fail the course?
Sorry if I am being negative but I would think very carefully about the offer.
How long has the company been trading, how many other employees do they have and what are they really offering at the end?