A NATIONAL training and education provider– based in County Durham– has recruited 24 apprentices to its new academy.

Learning Curve Group took the young people on through its Purple People Academy, using a contribution from the Government’s apprenticeship levy scheme to help develop focused career paths for its workforce.

As part of the Purple People Academy the 24 new apprentices will support a number of Learning Curve Group’s growing teams by undertaking programmes in areas such as customer service, graphic design, IT, data analysis and business administration.

Apprentice Charlotte Parsonage said: “I am really looking forward to being one of the first members of the Purple People Academy. This apprenticeship will help me gain new skills and qualifications that will help me in my future career with Learning Curve Group.”

As part of their training, the apprentices will get to work across different departments including marketing, accounts, training programme development and sales.

The academy structure will give trainees comprehensive knowledge of the business and career progression opportunities, complementing the group's existing internal training.

The academy has more than doubled the number of apprentices at the organisation– one in six of its employees are now trainees or apprentices.

Learning Curve Group founded the academy to create a sustainable workforce and in response for the increased demand for its services, including from companies applying their apprenticeship levy contribution.

It’s bespoke, industry-focused apprenticeship programmes are part of a suite of integrated education and training services that support recruitment and personal development such as helping unemployed people gain skills and qualifications. It also provides accredited courses for companies looking to increase employees' skills, often online.

Brenda McLeish, CEO of Learning Curve Group, said: “Applying the Apprenticeship Levy can be the key to unlocking a more comprehensive training strategy for businesses, which is where the Purple People Academy fits into our organisation.

“We have helped clients in sectors such as accountancy and hospitality apply the academy model, utilising the levy contribution for apprenticeships, but also deliver a broader approach to training and development that supports everything from recruitment to the upskilling of the existing workforce.”

She said she was impressed with the first intake of Purple People Academy apprentices who are enthusiastic about earning while learning.