An Ilkley -based national online learning organisation has celebrated two landmarks, providing courses for 750,000 learners and launching a new shop.
Virtual College, which employs more than 90 staff, reached the 750,000 learners level after seeing a rise of 250,000 in the past year.
The company was launched in 1995 and now provides more than 180 tailored online distance learning courses in areas ranging from data protection, health and safety and fire safety to the Bribery Act, safeguarding children and infection prevention control.
Marketing manager Peter Hilliard described the company’s growth over the past 12 months as ‘phenomenal’.
He said: “Our courses continue to be a valuable training resource for companies of all sizes.
“The system allows a record to be kept of course results, training needs and appraisals for each employee, which is a key tool for employers to get the very best from, in many cases today, a reduced workforce.”
The 750,000th trainee was Neil Skinner, a blending room and beer recovery technician at Molson Coors Brewery, in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, who completed a food hygene course.
He was presented with an iPod along with his course certificate to mark the landmark.
Virtual College chief executive Rod Knox said: “Despite the current economic climate, we continue to thrive, as individuals, businesses and organisations, across both the public and private sectors, seek to access innovative, flexible and cost-effective training solutions.
“We are constantly enhancing our e-learning provision across all sectors through the development of both new academies and training courses.
E-learning is an increasingly popular and proven alternative to traditional face-to-face training, which in the current climate can save money.
“Geographical restrictions are removed and learners can access their training at a pace, place and time to suit them. We are well equipped to respond to future challenges and opportunities.”
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Dale Smith, officially opened Virtual College’s new e-shop, housed in the ground floor of its offices to provide a public face for the business.
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