TRAINING
Visit – Darlington MP Peter Gibson , with Learning Curve Group CEO Brenda McLeish OBE , at the group ’ s new Business Academy in the town .
BOOSTING BUSINESSES
How Tees firms and residents can tap into Learning Curve Group ’ s £ 1.3m of funding
National training provider Learning Curve Group ( LCG ) has been awarded funding to help businesses , adults and young people across the Tees region access education and training . LCG is dedicated to developing skills across the Tees Valley to prepare people to go into work and optimise businesses through a range of training initiatives .
LCG , headquartered in County Durham , has many fully-funded training opportunities across the region for residents at any point in their career .
In the last year , the award-winning training provider says it has transformed over one million lives through learning .
This is through online , digital courses , their skills-based academies , skills bootcamps , study programmes and apprenticeship programmes .
LCG also has three academies in the Tees region , which specialise in hair and beauty , business and construction .
LCG says it works closely with employers across the region and Tees Valley Combined Authority to understand the current skills gaps which businesses are facing .
“ We also adapt our programmes to meet the needs of businesses through flexible and online delivery ,” said CEO Brenda McLeish OBE .
“ By asking employers what skills they desire from their employees , LCG is able to tailor their courses to match the needs of employers .
“ This ensures that when learners finish their studies , they have the skills that employers are looking for .”
Darlington Business Academy , located
on Duke Street , delivers a range of courses across the digital and technical sector including digital marketing , accounting , business administration , software development and more .
LCG opened its first business academy in Darlington in response to the relocation of the HM Treasury and the current digital skills gap in the region .
The academy gives learners the opportunity to specialise in a sector specific subject and work towards a career , while giving them the experience working in an inspiring real life work environment .
Darlington MP Peter Gibson recently visited the academy to speak to learners and see first-hand the impact the training is having on the region .
LCG works with businesses across the region to place graduates into employment or apprenticeships when they leave the academy .
“ This progression and further support is something that makes LCG ’ s academy unique ,” added LCG ’ s director of academies Judith Allen .
“ As Darlington is now the home of HM Treasury , which is creating many jobs for the area , it is a great opportunity for people of all ages in the region to gain digital skills , which could open up endless opportunities at places such as the Treasury .”
LCG ’ s Middlesbrough Construction Academy is currently recruiting for learners on a range of courses including DIY , bricklaying and painting and decorating .
Judith Allen explained : “ LCG listened to the training needs of the residents of
Tees Valley and asks for feedback on their courses to ensure they are continuing to deliver high quality training that is wanted in the area .
“ We identified that women want to gain new skills to be able to carry out DIY tasks in their homes , however they do not want to attend a class with males .
“ We responded by starting evening Women ’ s DIY classes which have been extremely popular .”
Meanwhile , LCG has launched a new online course available to residents of Tees Valley who are over 19 and do not already have a Level 3 qualification .
Certificate in Principles of Special Educational Needs ( SEN ) covers the development of children and young people , professional practice in SEN service and much more .
SEN can affect individuals in different ways – it can affect their reading and writing , their behaviour and concentration , their ability to understand things , or even their physical ability . This course is perfect for anyone currently working in an educational or childcare setting who wants to develop their understanding of SEN .
One of LCG ’ s main initiatives is working with employers to support the development of their workforce through apprenticeship programmes .
LCG says it works with over 4,500 employers and businesses to deliver their award-winning apprenticeship programmes .
The group is currently promoting their range of management apprenticeship qualifications available for employers across Tees region to upskill their current workforce .
How to get in touch ? To find out more about how LCG can support you and your business , email : training @ learningcurvegroup . co . uk or visit learningcurvegroup . co . uk .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 109