View Entry

Company: Pitman Training Newcastle
Project: secretarial, book-keeping, IT and IT technical training

http://www.pitman-training.com/newcastle

Dates: Aug 2007 to Dec 2009

Attachments:

How did the project start?

We bought the Pitman Training franchise for Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside in Spring 2007 and opened the first training centre in Newcastle in August.

What options did you consider?

Pitman Training is the largest independent training provider in the UK and a recognised Superbrand. Over 120 courses are available, using audio tracks (the 'tutor-in-the-ear'), computer-based learning and workbooks. Pitman Training offers all of the flexibility of computer-based learning, but with the advantage of a physical training centre, with tutors on hand to support students.

The alternative was to establish an independent training company and develop our own courses, but we felt that we needed to 'hit the ground running' and focus on providing courses rather than product development.

What help and expertise did you receive?

As a franchisee, we received the full support package from Pitman Training, including product, administration and sales training. We have also received local support from Business Link North East, Codeworks and CELS.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

The main challenge has been marketing in order to establish our presence in the North East. This is on-going.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

The business has now been trading for 6 months and is well established. The IT systems have functioned perfectly and the Pitman Training courses have been extremely well received by students.

What are your plans for the future?

Having established the core range of Pitman Training courses, we are now promoting our TechTrain brand of IT Technical courses (CompTIA, MCSA and MCSE). This uses a combination of student manual, on-line studying and mentoring and a weekly webinar. We are exhibiting at the Jobs in Digital show in March at the Baltic. Pitman Training is also about to launch the full range of Office 2007 courses and we will start to see a migration to this version of the software in the next 12 months.