Training 2000 acquired by UCLan

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has acquired Blackburn-based educational charity Training 2000 Limited, one of the largest group training associations in the UK.

This new strategic alliance hopes to position UCLan as the largest provider of degree apprenticeships in the region.

UCLan vice-chancellor Mike Thomas said: “The combination of Training 2000’s specialist understanding of the apprenticeship market, and their 50-year history of working in partnership with industry, alongside our research expertise and reputation for world-class academic provision, creates a unique offer for businesses to access.”

The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in April of this year, and is applicable to all businesses with a payroll of more than £3m per annum. Businesses investing in the provision of apprenticeships for their current workforce or new starters can off-set this against the levy payment, making degree apprenticeships a very attractive option.

Dr Lynne Livesey, who will take over as chair of T2000 alongside her current portfolio as deputy vice-chancellor (academic), said: “The university has been creating work-ready graduates since 1828, and we’re now engaged with a huge range of employers eager to develop tailored apprenticeships to upskill and enhance the workforce, grow their businesses and gain a competitive edge.

"Our existing apprenticeship provision covers a wide range of areas, including healthcare, digital, policing, construction, engineering, professional services and management, and with the significant experience and outstanding reputation of T2000 we expect to expand this rapidly." Chief executive of Training 2000 Steve Gray said: “Partnering with a university with such a diverse portfolio is highly exciting for us and will accelerate our strategy and development of the broader pathways for apprenticeship qualifications, culminating in graduate and post-graduate Degree Apprenticeships, and other training provision."