Training provision is a high growth and highly competitive global market. Stand out players are those who can effectively deliver a blend hard, soft skills & practical skills in a flexible environment and for a competitive price. Whilst the total value of the UK training market is difficult quantify due to how it is segmented for reporting purposes e.g. vocational training, online education, technical training, each of which has its own valuation we know that:
The UK governments 2025 Spending Review committed £1.2BN additional annual investment into skills by 2028 for industries with notable gaps. Construction is one area earmarked for significant investment as part of the government’s strategy to make vocational training a core pillar of UK growth. According to the 2024 Employer Skills Survey, UK businesses spent approximately £1,700 per employee per annum. This is set to grow by 20% in 2025/26.
– UK businesses spent approx. £53BN on skills training in 2024.
– The online training industry is valued at £4.9BN.
– The private training market is valued at £2.9BN.
– The technical & vocational training/education industry is valued at £955M.
Key Demand Influencers include: Government Funding – via the growth & skills levy
– Economic Conditions – businesses looking to gain advantage, increase employee effectiveness & realise efficiencies
– Technology – digital learning tools is fuelling growth via accessibility & flexibility
– Specific Skills – CPD requirements, capability gaps & increased employee need are fuelling growth in areas such as soft skills, accreditations & licensing
Whilst the UK training market is crowded from a provider number perspective there are challenges around quality, relevance, applicable value, accessibility & cost that make it easier to enter, gain traction and achieve rapid growth. The sectors where this is most prevalent are:
– Employability Support – involves government programmes aimed at providing people with the skills required to find sustained employment. These may be low-level technical qualifications (plant certifications, CSCS, BICS, First Aid etc.), or soft skills development (communication, CV writing, interview preparation). Relevant referral agencies include HMPPS, DWP & DfE.
– Upskilling – involves employers investing in the personal & professional development of their employees. This may include specific technical qualifications (vehicle licencing, plant accreditation, site management, accredited programmes), or soft skills development (communication, management / leadership etc.). This also applies to private individuals.
– Right to play in these sectors is dependant on a providers’ ability to positively address the [above] challenges. If this can be achieved, then the demand pool is certainly there, especially in Yorkshire: (stats below need work),
– Total number of unemployed: 94,000, 3.5%
– Probation delegates who are unemployed: 11,000, 50%
– Number of NEETs: 86,500, 14% (UK: 837,000, approx. 14%)
– Probation delegates who are NEET: ?? (approx. 47%)
– Number of people on UPW: 1,500 (UK: approx. 12,500)
