County Durham education subcontractor hosts London conference

Major education subcontractor Learning Curve Group (LCG) has partnered with the NCFE to host a masterclass on how organisations which have either a direct Skills Funding Agency contract or who subcontract from a directly funded body can remain competitive.

The County Durham-based firm will also talk about the benefits of flexible provision for learners and employers, methods used by successful training providers and information about how adult skills funding can be used this year.

Part of the conference, aimed at the senior managers of independent training providers, will give an understanding of quality controls and key points to ensure awarding compliance.

During the near four-hour event, on Thursday, February 27, delegates will also gain practical advice about how delivery models can best be implemented.

Jon Cummins, LCG’s commercial director, said the recent release of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ funding statement was a timely opportunity to review opportunities in the current funding year and that of 2014/15.

He added: “We aim to show education training providers from across the country how they can maximise their adult skills budget in this year and beyond.

“We will be exploring how the flexibilities and the freedoms within the adult skills budget can be utilised to ensure the best possible provision for learners and employers while also creating efficient delivery models.

“Learning Curve Group has the experience and skills necessary to help organisations make the most of all funding opportunities and to develop and improve the service they offer those seeking flexible education.”

David Grailey, chief executive of NCFE, said: “Our strong relationship with Learning Curve Group enables us to respond quickly to the needs of the sector. LCG has the knowledge of what employers want and at NCFE we can quickly react to this by developing qualifications that are fit for purpose.

“This conference will help providers to optimise the funding available to them, enabling them to deliver the best learning experience possible.”

LCG, which was founded in 2004 and is based in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, provides a diverse range of education provision which includes the delivery of £20m of Adult Skills Budget to 50,000 learners via 39 college partnerships.

The company works with employers to provide training to staff to gain qualifications, and its programmes include apprenticeships, NVQs, and flexible distance learning.

It has skill centres in Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Bishop Auckland which provide mainly construction-based vocational training, and military skill centres in Wakefield, Leeds and Sheffield which provide training for those wishing to join the armed forces or uniformed services.

In November, it acquired Leeds-based Learning at Work, whose paper and online learning materials are used by 90,000 learners.

NCFE is a national awarding organisation which develops a diverse range of nationally accredited vocational qualifications and works in partnership with LCG to ensure these qualifications are delivered to thousands of learners.

Its qualifications are fundable, relevant to today’s industry and can be delivered flexibly in a variety of learning environments.

The conference takes place at etc.venues in Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate Court, 4-12 Norton Folgate, London E1 6DQ, a short walk from Liverpool Street station.

It is free but there is a £100 charge for any delegate who books a place but does not attend without giving 48-hours’ prior written notice.

Online registration is at www.fe-conference.co.uk/adult-skills-budget-beyond, with more information about the venue at www.etcvenues.co.uk