North East education sub-contractor expands into Yorkshire

A company of North East education innovators has expanded its commitment to employment and training opportunities for young people by opening its third military skill centre in just two years.

Bishop Auckland-based Learning Curve Group’s (LCG) Sheffield facility will directly benefit Britain’s armed forces by giving realistic basic training to those looking for careers in the Army, Royal Navy and RAF.

Hundreds have already successfully passed through its training sites in Leeds and Wakefield, gaining the physical and mental strength and preparation to pass military selection processes.

Courses are also geared towards readiness for any of the uniformed services, such as police and fire brigade, or for people seeking a fresh personal challenge.

The centres add to LCG’s diverse range of education provision which includes the delivery of £20 million of Adult Skills Budget provision to 50,000 learners via 39 college partnerships.

LCG, England’s largest education subcontractor partner, also works with employers to provide provision to staff to gain qualifications. Programmes include apprenticeships, NVQs, and flexible distance learning.

Last month it acquired Leeds-based Learning at Work, the country’s fastest growing specialist education publisher whose paper and online learning materials are used by more than 100 colleges and private training providers.

As well as its Military Skill Centres, the firm has three Learning Curve Skill Centres in Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Bishop Auckland which provide mainly construction-based vocational training.

In the past year LCG has almost doubled turnover and more than doubled its learners.

Founder Judith Moran, chair and chief executive of LCG, said: “The Sheffield Military Skill Centre adds to the very specific and targeted training that we offer.

“We know those who successfully pass our military courses gain a tremendous advantage when they come to apply for the armed forces.

“The centre is an excellent addition to the varied education provision that we offer and we are proud of the contribution we are making to education from our base in the North East.”

Recruits undergo tough but ultra-professional military preparation from ex-services personnel on courses which can last up to 32 weeks depending on age, with anyone aged over 16 and physically fit able to sign up.

They will receive academic instruction but also undergo a daily exercise regime of at least 90 minutes and outdoor manoeuvres lasting up to a week which can see them take part in a range of activities including rock climbing and raft building.

All three centres are located at Territorial Army bases, allowing those training facilities to be accessed, thanks to the co-operation of the TA staff, along with other military locations, airfields and adventure sites.

Recruits aged 16 to 18 sit either a Level 1 or Level 2 Diploma in Public Services, a qualification which also improves access to work in the emergency services.

Those aged 19 and over take Level 1 in job search and interview skills, a Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Uniformed Services, and a Level 1 Award in Exercise Studies.

LCG, which was founded in 2004, opened its Wakefield Military Skill Centre in November 2011, followed by Leeds in March 2012.

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