Training options slashed as QA surrenders to training trend

Interquadís acquisition of QA is the next step in a worrying trend towards the monopolisation of the training market, according to The Training Camp.

Robert Chapman, CEO and co-founder of The Training Camp, accelerated learning expert, believes that recent mergers reflect the instability of the companies involved, meaning smaller companies are slowly being pushed out to make way for the huge conglomerates that fail to address the individual needs of learners.

ìThe investment of time and money in a new qualification is a big decision for consumers to make to begin with, but that does not mean that consumers want that decision made for them,î he said. ìWith the skills crisis in the UK, there needs to be more choice not less. No wonder the UK is facing a skills crisis and is looking overseas to get the specialised professionals it needs. The companies promising to train them appear only to be about making profit and less about filling those skills gaps.î he added.

Chapman concluded, ìDespite this trend in the market The Training Camp will continue to provide the personalised approach that its success is based on. Our 80 per cent pass rate is down to an innovative approach to learning within an immersive environment, accommodation is provided and we even have on-site chef so students do not need anything but their willingness to learn.î

The accelerated learning expertís reaction is particularly poignant as QA was the number one training company in the UK top 50, according to IT Skills Research based on revenue figures. It was in fierce competition with Interquad, at number five. This follows Global Knowledgeís acquisition of Azlan, itís now the largest IT training provider in Europe as a result, reducing the number of major players in training further still.