New Virtual College e-learning centre to open Friday 31st August

As a pioneer of e-learning in the UK, back in 1995, Virtual College started with a small team working closely with companies to help them adopt e-learning and improve their staff training efficiency. Now, just over 17 years later, the company boasts over 800,000 learners, a team that has doubled over the past year to more than 90 e-learning professionals and is the developer of over 200 courses and the cutting edge Learning Management System E>nable.

Virtual College first moved into premises in Ilkley during May 2003, occupying office space in Marsel House located next to the train station. To accommodate the increase in staff over the past year, the company has recently expanded its premises to include a shop front location. The e-learning centre will be officially opened on Friday 31st August by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith.

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 e-learning company recently passed another milestone, with its 100,000th Food Hygiene Certificate being issued, following the introduction of a self-print option for the course.