Hi Justan
I think this is connected with the learning plan not being approved,
When the user creates a learning plan that requires manager approval there should be a Send approval request link this will send a notification to the user's manager/s
Are you logged in as the user's manager - does the user have multiple managers and has one manager already been assigned to manage the learning plan.
A system admin or a user with the permissions 'Access any user's plan' and 'Manage any user's plan' should be able to approve the learning plan.
Regards