I am currently pursuing a degree in engineering. I am not, however, an "Engineer in Training (EIT)", which is an official, regulated title that comes with it's own rights/responsibilities (not to mention a raise in pay).
I recently accepted an engineering related full-time position at the company I was interning with. This came with a large pay raise compared to my internship rates, but not on par with what other engineers in my field make. This is understandable as I have not graduated, nor am I an EIT.
My company has a program that will help me pay for school if I sign on to stay with them for 6 years after I graduate, or repay them. I plan on becoming an EIT within those six years, which will entitle me to about a $10k raise (if I am to be paid the average of my peers).
I worry the company will stiff me the incredibly significant raise because I'm essentially stuck there until the end of my contract. In the event I am stiffed, what sort of actions can I take?
What would be the best way to approach this with my superiors? I don't want to come off as accusing them of ripping me off, even if they are.
Is there a legal route (last resort), or will I have to stick it out and leave when the contract is up?