Guide To Supporting Smaller Employers With Apprenticeships

National training provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), are delighted to announce that Carly Tait, an apprentice with LCG working at Broadacres Housing Association, has won Apprentice of the Year at the NCFE Awards today (25th June).

Learning Curve Group were delighted to welcome Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, who chose the Construction Academy in Sunderland to deliver a major announcement on the Government’s plans to boost skills training for future generations of builders and carers.

The Department for Education has updated its guidance that from September 2025 ITP's are expected to adopt the new Gatsby Benchmarks.

The visit follows LCG’s success in securing an international bid aimed at enhancing vocational training, in partnership with the British Council and Botswana’s Ministry of Education.

We’re proud to announce that Learning Curve Group (LCG) has been shortlisted for not one, not two, but three major awards this week, a fantastic recognition of our continued commitment to transforming lives through learning.

Manchester-based LWC Drinks, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, has been recognised for its commitment to apprenticeships, skills development, and regional growth with a nomination for Large Employer of the Year at the Greater Manchester Skills Awards 2025.

As the economic climate continues to shift, businesses across the UK are increasingly investing in their employees’ skills, with training becoming a top priority for many.

Top talent is walking away — and it’s not just about money. Discover why employees are rethinking what they want from work, and how practical, tailored learning can boost retention, morale, and long-term loyalty.

Off-the-job (OTJ) training is often seen as a disruption, but when planned well, it benefits both apprentices and businesses. Aligning training with real work, maintaining strong communication with providers, and using a mix of learning methods can turn OTJ time into a valuable investment. By supporting apprentices and tracking progress effectively, employers can develop skilled, motivated employees who contribute more in the long run.

If you’re considering a career in midwifery, here’s all the important information you need...

Over 140 businesses shortlisted in the British Business Awards

New research from City & Guilds' Neurodiversity Index 2025 highlights a concerning gap in workplace support for neurodivergent employees. Nearly one in three are dissatisfied with the accommodations provided, and over a third receive no onboarding support. As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we explore key findings from the Index, the challenges neurodivergent employees face, and actionable steps employers can take to create more inclusive workplaces.

The Apprenticeship Levy is being replaced by a new Growth and Skills Levy, aiming to increase flexibility for employers on how they can spend their contributions. But what changes will be coming into effect and how can we prepare for them?

With a lifelong dream of becoming a lorry driver and having recently passed her Urban Driver apprenticeship, Nikki has successfully pursued her dream career! And to top it off, she has become the first female gritter driver in the Bradford District! Find out how she did it...

National Apprenticeship Week kicks off on Monday 10th February and to mark the occasion, we want to share ways in which employers can make the most of it!

Learning Curve Group is delighted to be able to support Bernicia Group tenants and the wider community in improving their employability skills and helping individuals find employment or progress in their current careers.

Brenda McLeish OBE DL, CEO of Learning Curve Group, has been appointed as a trustee on the Education and Training Foundation (EFT board) alongside Anthony Carey, Shazia Ejaz and Mark Malcomson CBE.

On Friday night, we hosted our 10th annual charity ball - a Purple Party! It really was a night to remember as we raised over £13,000 for the LCG Charity Foundation!

HRH the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Learning Curve Group Headquarters in County Durham this morning to mark the Group’s 20th anniversary and officially open their Headquarters at DurhamGate.

Established in 2004, Learning Curve Group has grown to become one of the largest and most diverse independent training providers in the country. Learning Curve Group provides education and training for more than 200,000 individuals a year, working with over 4,500 employers to develop and retain talent in their workforces. Hugely expanding their workforce count and offering along the way, Learning Curve Group was last year named Education Provider of the Year and landed on the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list.

Today is GCSE results day. Whether you got the grades you were hoping for or not, we've outlined some of the different options for your next steps. We appreciate that not everybody loves classroom learning, that's why we deliver education and training in a practical environment where you can thrive.

With the new Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing looming on the horizon, it’s important that employers are proactive in preparing for the changes. Luckily, Learning Curve Group are here to support you in meeting the required standards as the mandatory bill comes into effect.

As thousands of students across the UK open their results today, we wish them the very best of luck. If you're not sure where you're headed next, we've outlined your options to help you find a pathway that suits you!

In the 27th UK CEO survey, conducted by PwC, it was revealed that employers are increasingly looking for one thing: tech-savvy talent. Here, we outline the most in-demand tech skills in the UK and how you can learn them.

A longstanding challenge in the training landscape has been the lack of a clear overarching strategy that strikes the right balance between national and local skills demands.

Earlier this year, the Buckland Review of Autism Employment was published, highlighting the need for more support for autistic people in employment. In our blog, we’ve outlined just a few simple steps that you can take to increase support for autistic people in your workplace.

In February, the admissions service revealed that apprenticeships will finally qualify for UCAS Tariff points from September onwards. What does this mean for employers?

Summer is the perfect time to invest in yourself and thrive! One way you can do this is by improving your career prospects through learning new skills.

Today marks the start of Armed Forces Week 2024. And with flags being raised all over the country to mark this, we would like to say a special thank you to all those who have served or are serving in the UK Armed Forces.

New partnership brings powerful online learning platform to Access to HE providers

Learning Curve Group, international provider of funded training and education for adults, have recently announced our support of prison education reformation by reinforcing our provision for education within prisons.

Keeping your skills up to date is essential for career advancement and success. That's why it's so important that you make sure your learning doesn't end when you leave school, college or university - you need to be continuously learning to remain competitive!

Read our top tips on how to make the most out of your revision time to smash your exams!

80% of people experiencing menopausal symptoms are in employment, and they make up the fastest-growing workplace demographic. Is your workplace doing its part to support them?

Learn about the new funding rules that accompany the Adult Skills Fund as it replaces the Adult Education Budget

This week we've been celebrating Autism Acceptance Week. Established by the National Autistic Society, this week is an opportunity to do more than simply raise awareness around autism: it is a chance to change attitudes and break down misconceptions so autistic people can be their authentic selves no matter the environment they find themselves in.

And how to overcome them

Learning Curve Group have partnered with Gough and Kelly to offer free Security training to women in Leeds with the aim of challenging stereotypes in the sector

Children from Monkwearmouth Secondary School in Sunderland visit Learning Curve Group for the day, with My Big Career, to learn about potential pathways and opportunities for when they leave school.

We've witnessed a surge in enrolments onto men's mental health courses amid rising concerns and alarming statistics. Equip your college with the learning resources you need to meet this growing demand.

On Tuesday, we were delighted to attend the Tees Valley Women’s Centre, located in Southbank, Middlesbrough, to celebrate the achievements of local women who recently graduated their craft course with us!

Learning Curve Group, a national training and education provider, have adopted an innovative new platform, designed to forge perfect business partnerships.

Creating a supportive environment for neurodivergent employees can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, it can be very beneficial for your business.

Following new guidance from The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), workplaces are being warned that they could face legal action if they fail to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for their employees.

A message from our CEO, Brenda McLeish OBE DL, as we celebrate our 20th birthday!

It’s You Can Care Week! A lot of people don’t know this, but you can transition into the care sector at any stage of your career. And at Learning Curve Group, we’re dedicated to making your pathway into the care industry as easy and smooth as possible.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrated the graduation of our internal apprentice cohort who have all recently passed their courses.

We're delighted to announce that our Commercial Director, Steve Morris, has been appointed Employment Advisory Board Chair for HMP Moorland. We can't wait to see Steve transform even more lives through learning in his new role.

Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, an event to celebrate all things apprenticeships, from apprentice achievements, to inspiring employers to partnerships across the sector.

Learning Curve Group (LCG), a UK-based leading education and training provider, is thrilled to announce its most recent success in the international market with the acquisition of a significant contract in Botswana.

So you want to be a nanny? We’ve partnered with Army of Nannies; a nanny-finding platform which works with thousands of nannies across the UK at all experience levels.

National training provider, Learning Curve Group, headquartered in County Durham, make a significant donation to local foodbanks this Christmas. With a total of over 500 items donated, the Learning Curve Group family joined forces to support those in need during the festive period.

Leading education and training provider, Learning Curve Group, headquartered in County Durham, have doubled their donation to If U Care Share following the success of a campaign over the month of November to raise awareness of men’s mental health problems.

Learning Curve Group (LCG), a leading training provider headquartered in County Durham, raise over £10,000 in support of the LCG Charity Foundation at their 9th annual charity ball on Friday night.

In an increasingly diverse workplace, the importance of protecting employees can’t be ignored. The first step to success is recognising and respecting their identities.

The number of men experiencing suicidal thoughts has reached an all time high, and Teesside is grappling with one of the highest suicide rates in the UK. Globally, on average, a man dies by suicide every 60 seconds.

Today, Welsh Secretary, David TC Davies, has visited the MPCT Newport Academy to gain an insight into the alternative educational opportunities for adults and young people in Wales.

Unlock your potential with Learning Curve Group.

A partnership has been forged between Learning Curve Group (LCG) and LearnBox which will help tackle a major issue faced by the further education sector and the wider economy for the teaching and uptake of functional skills.

Steve Downie, a man from Chorley who has made a full recovery from alcohol-dependency, has supported Learning Curve Group (LCG) to develop a Level 2 online course on addiction recovery which launched last week.

In an exciting move towards a more inclusive and equal world, we are delighted to announce the adoption of The Halo Code, the UK's first Black hair code. This decision highlights our commitment to eradicating discrimination and embracing the diverse identities of our employees.

Eight women from Tees Valley Women's Centre (TVWC), a community hub dedicated to empowering vulnerable women, celebrated graduating from their Access to Higher Education course delivered at the centre. All eight women have secured a place at Teesside University as a result of their training.

For far too long, the impact of menopause on individuals and on businesses has been ignored due to a lack of knowledge. Momentum is now growing to put this right.

National training provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), are delighted to have taken home the Education Provider of the Year award at the EducationInvestor Awards last night.

Workplace inclusivity is important for all industries, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion is a priority for many organisations. Many LGBTQIA+ people feel too uncomfortable to come out in the workplace for fear of harassment or discrimination, impacting both their mental health and their ability to thrive in their jobs. Even small adjustments can have a huge impact on LGBTQIA+ employees and can empower them to reach their full potential, and feel safe and accepted.

An increase in investment in education and skills training could lead to a £206 million net present value for the UK economy, a recent socio-economic impact report finds.

Learning Curve Group (LCG), the UK’s leading education and training provider, have been recognised as one of the best places to work by The Sunday Times in its renewed ranking of the UK’s top employers. Landing on the list, this prestigious accolade highlights Learning Curve Group's commitment to fostering a positive and engaging workplace culture.

Complementing the growth of Learning Curve Group’s existing Ed-Tech solutions, CareersPro is designed to provide individuals, young or old, with the tools and resources to make informed choices about their education and career paths. This platform harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to deliver personalised recommendations, guidance, and costings that are tailored to each individual’s unique skills, interests and aspirations.

National education and training provider, Learning Curve Group, are delighted to have taken home two awards last week at the Educate North Awards 2023. LCG were honoured with the ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ Award, whilst their CEO, Brenda McLeish OBE DL, was awarded the ‘UK Education Leadership’ Award.

In light of Jeremey Hunt’s recent ‘returnership’ initiative, outlined in the Spring Budget which was announced mid-March, we want to showcase the incredible benefits apprenticeships hold for everybody, not just the younger generation.

In a time of economic uncertainty, it is essential that employment levels remain at a high. Filling the skills gaps in society is crucial to ensuring a content and thriving economy, as its landscape approaches a period of hardship and decline. Education and skills training are invaluable in upskilling current and future workforces and creating talent pipelines that will benefit both individuals and businesses.

The London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Learning Curve Group, achieved a ‘Good’ rating in our latest Ofsted inspection of Apprenticeship and online learning provision. LCG’s state-of-the-art hair and beauty academies in London provide dynamic and innovative vocational training which specialises in high quality training through a diverse range of online adult learning programmes and apprenticeships.

Toby Perkins MP visited local education provider, White Rose Beauty College, which is part of Learning Curve Group, in his Chesterfield constituency to gain an insight into alternative educational opportunities for adults and young people. Toby has a vested interest in the educational opportunities for people within Chesterfield, and across the UK, in part due to his position as Shadow Minister for Education.

Learning Curve Group (LCG) is today named as the 14th best company to work for in the UK, as Best Companies reveal their Top 100 list awarding them a 3-star, world-class accreditation. The ranking also sees LCG named the 2nd best Education and Training organisation in the UK to work for, the 2nd best organisation in the North East to work for, 2nd in Wales and 16th Large Company in London.

National training provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), are expanding their successful Hair and Beauty training academies in the London region with two brand-new, state-of-the-art salons opening this February.

National training provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), make huge donations of over 500 items to food banks across the country this Christmas.

Brenda McLeish OBE DL, CEO of national training provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), was presented the Societal Impact award at the National EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards last week. The award recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to society through positive impact based on their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact.

A new programme which will provide over 150 residents with the relevant skills, experience and interviews they need to gain employment started in October. The Skillup for Employment programme, delivered by One Housing and Learning Curve Group, bridges the gap between residents who are unemployed and job vacancies with local businesses.

National Training Provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), are delighted to have won the Best Purpose Driven People Community award at the 2022 Investors in People (IIP) Awards. The awards aim to showcase and share recognition of the very best employers and individuals who strive to make work better.

Chief Executive Officer of Learning Curve Group, Brenda McLeish OBE, was presented with her OBE for her services to further education after being named as a recipient in the New Year Honours in 2022. She also bagged the Businesswoman of the Year Award at the 2022 Education Investor awards which were on the same evening.

Finalists of The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2022 gathered in anticipation on Friday night as the winners for individual categories were announced. One of the UK’s largest training providers, Learning Curve Group (LCG), were delighted to bring home the Learning Provider of the Year award for the second year in a row. The awards aim to showcase the range of talent and hard work within multicultural communities across the UK and the contribution and support of employers and learning providers for making this possible.

LCG’s annual ball is their biggest fundraiser of the year for the LCG Charity Foundation, in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation and saw Matt Bailey, BBC Newcastle’s new Breakfast Show host, take to the stage to take guests to the movies. LCG set up their Charity Foundation in 2019 and is built on 3 main pillars: increasing skills, decreasing unemployment, and alleviating poverty. Since the foundation began the training provider, headquartered in Durham, has raised over £80,000 to support organisations and individuals across the country.

Cloud workforce development training programme brings opportunity to local communities and builds diverse talent pipeline

National Training Provider, Learning Curve Group, are preparing for their annual Charity Ball, A Night in Hollywood, sponsored by NCFE and Scholars School System. The event will take place on Friday 28th October at Hardwick Hall Hotel in County Durham.

National training provider, Learning Curve Group, launch a brand new qualification on the understanding of menopause to educate people on how women are impacted and how this effects their careers. LCG’s new qualification is a level 2 in Understanding Menopause in the Workplace and is the first ever accredited qualification on the topic in the UK.

National Training Provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), host their annual Staff Conference with over 1,000 ‘Purple People’ at Old Trafford Football Stadium in Manchester. LCG’s dedicated employees travelled across the country to the Manchester United Football Stadium to come together for a day of training and development whilst celebrating their recent Outstanding Ofsted inspection of their Antrec Training contract.

Learning Curve Group (LCG) subsidiary, Antrec Training, rated OUTSTANDING overall by Ofsted in most recent inspection. Ofsted graded the provision “outstanding” and commented that “Learners clearly benefit, both personally and professionally, from the diverse range of high quality courses available to them.” Learning Curve Group develops training programmes in areas which respond to national skills needs.

Brenda McLeish OBE DL, Chief Executive Officer of Learning Curve Group (LCG), has been named EY Entrepreneur of the Year for the North after a record-breaking year for the training provider.

National training provider, MPCT, military training academies owned by Learning Curve Group, open a two new academies in Chorley and Newcastle to give young people across the region access to free, high quality military training to prepare them for a career in the armed forces.

National training provider Learning Curve Group (LCG) is delighted to announce the acquisition of Yorkshire-based White Rose Beauty Colleges (White Rose), one of the largest beauty therapy training providers in the UK, in a move which will complement its existing academy provision. 

Motivational Preparation College for Training, a wholly owned subsidiary of National training provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), OUTSTANDING in 2 areas and GOOD overall by Ofsted in a recent inspection.

Motivational Preparation College for Training (MPCT), a wholly owned subsidiary of national training provider Learning Curve Group (LCG), achieve the Platinum level for the second time in Investors in People Survey, a report to measure employee engagement and wellbeing.

Brenda McLeish OBE DL wins Entrepreneur of the Year at the North East England Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. This accolade for the CEO of Learning Curve Group (LCG) comes just 6 months after being awarded an OBE for her contribution to education in the Queen’s New Years Honours list and 2 months after becoming a Deputy Lieutenant for County Durham.

Profound Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of National training provider, Learning Curve Group (LCG), rated OUTSTANDING in 2 areas and GOOD overall by Ofsted in a recent inspection.