Baltic Training Services sets example for the North East and training industries

Research undertaken by Virgin, published in the Sunday Times, has named Newton Aycliffe-based Baltic Training Services as the only North East company and UK training provider in the prestigious Virgin Fast Track 100 list.

The annual league table ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest growing sales over a period of three years. Baltic’s inclusion follows it successfully doubling annual sales growth since 2010 and has now achieved sales totaling £5.8 million.

The company provides employment opportunities for more than 750 school leavers and young people through the provision of apprenticeships in a number of different sectors.

Its employer-focused apprenticeships last at least 12 months and ensure trainees are gaining valuable hands-on experience from the outset. This has been achieved by working closely with employers to design programmes that meet business needs.

Originally targeting the logistics sector Baltic now has its focus firmly set upon the IT and social media sectors. This represents the way Baltic has adapted to the ever-evolving needs of the economy by ensuring high quality and relevant apprenticeships are provided to talented and enthusiastic young people.

Tony Pitchford, sales director at Baltic Training Services, said: “It is great to have our hard work recognised in such a prominent publication. The inclusion in the Virgin Fast Track 100 is the perfect way to conclude a very successful year.

“In the last three years we have seen annual sales growth double, which whilst being great for the business is also very beneficial to young people who now have more apprenticeships available to them.

“The demand for apprenticeships has increased in recent years as a growing number of employers see it as a valuable and highly accredited qualification. Many young people now see apprenticeships as a viable alternative to college.”