Locations
Apply now
HRH the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Learning Curve Group Headquarters in County Durham this morning to mark the Group’s 20th anniversary and officially open their Headquarters at DurhamGate.
Brenda McLeish OBE DL, CEO of Learning Curve Group, welcomed His Royal Highness and escorted him through the building where he met staff from various departments, as well as learners currently enrolled in training programmes.
During the visit, The Duke of Edinburgh gained insights into how Learning Curve Group transforms lives through learning and supports individuals into work through diverse training opportunities. He also saw how the organisation supports employers by upskilling both new and existing staff to fill vacancies and bridge skills gaps.
His Royal Highness observed a physical training demonstration by learners in LCG’s military preparation and uniformed services programmes, at their MPCT academies, which provide an alternative route to mainstream education. He engaged with several of the learners asking them about their career ambitions and life at the academy.
His Royal Highness also met learners from Learning Curve Group’s Chesterfield and Hartlepool Hair and Beauty Academies as they demonstrated media makeup on models. He engaged with the learners, asking about how their skills and confidence had developed as a result of them attending the academy.
His Royal Highness spoke with directors from LCG, including their Academy, Apprenticeship and Employability divisions, along with learners and employer partners. These discussions provided a deeper understanding of the impact of training on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.
Learners shared their career aspirations and discussed how their training has boosted their confidence and employability. The Duke also learned about Learning Curve Group’s community programmes, which help disadvantaged individuals reintegrate into society and enhance their career prospects.
His Royal Highness learned about the unique, people-centric culture at Learning Curve Group and heard from apprentices and staff who have progressed in the business.
The Duke unveiled a plaque to official open the group’s Headquarters and to mark their 20th anniversary. He was presented with a piece of stone from Durham Cathedral, which was conserved during renovations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The visit concluded with His Royal Highness being presented with a piece of stone from Durham Cathedral which was conserved during renovations to the building. The Duke then unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening and the MPCT learners demonstrated a guard of honour as HRH departed.
Brenda McLeish OBE DL, CEO of Learning Curve Group, said: “It has been an honour to show The Duke of Edinburgh the brilliant work we do here at Learning Curve Group and celebrate our 20th birthday with us. We really do strive to transform lives through learning, and it was fantastic to be able to show His Royal Highness this first hand. Our learners are our biggest inspiration, and they did us extremely proud today.
“The event highlighted the incredible work our staff does every day to support people in achieving their goals. We are proud of our ongoing work to help people gain crucial skills and find employment through our diverse training programmes.”
Back to news articles