employment contract

[ladydi99]

I am considering a position with a computer instruction company, where I would be an instructor. They want me to sign (1) that I will work for them for at least 1 year or pay back training costs ($2600), and (2)that upon leaving them, I cannot teach anywhere else for 1 year. I am not so concerned about #1, but even if I stayed with them for years and then left I still could not teach somewhere else for 1 year, like a community college? Is this enforceable, and how do they know where you are working and who for? If you move out of area or state, is the agreement still enforceable? I am confused in Virginia.....
Thank you

 

[Virginia Resident]

I would take the contract to an employment lawyer. The 2nd one is probably a non-compete agreement. It has to be very specific in Virginia in order for it to be enforceable. I read in a Washington Post article that Maryland is more likely to uphold a non-compete agreement then Virginia. Courts generally don't like non-compete agreements which prevent you from finding work in your area.