The adult education sector is a vibrant industry with numerous avenues for prospective students to turn. Through a simple Google search, you'll discover that within a five-mile radius of Pitman Training London Central & West, there are nearly 100 different finance and accounting courses to choose from - these are offered by several providers, both full-time or part-time, with flexible scheduling for busy students. So, it's important as a prospective franchise partner with Pitman Training to get to know your competition and what makes Pitman Training different.
How Much Competition Is There in Adult Education Provision in the UK?
When it comes to adult education in the UK, the landscape is characterised by numerous providers competing to offer the best learning opportunities. These comprise of a range of universities, further education colleges, online platforms, community centres and private training providers.
Furthermore, these institutions cater to different learning preferences and needs, including flexible, full-time and part-time options.
Different Options for Different Needs
So, we can see that prospective students have a lot of options to weigh up. But why is there such a variety of competition? The answer: adults have a wide range of learning needs, from career advancement and skills acquisition to personal enrichment. To cater for this diversity, providers offer specialised courses and programmes which, in turn, creates competition. Here are five reasons why multiple providers are in the market:
- Accessibility and Convenience: flexibility is key. People have busy schedules and commitments they need to fulfil; it's essential for providers to accommodate the needs of learners to offer a competitive package.
- Career Advancement: students are always looking to upskill and progress in their careers. This demand means organisations need to present relevant and effective courses to attract new learners.
- Evolving Job Markets: whether it's advancements in technology, economic factors or increasing globalisation, what people need in their professional environment changes. Competition arises when multiple providers identify the need to meet the same demands.
- Government Initiatives: government funding and policies incentivise adults' education, prompting public and private institutions to compete for contracts and opportunities to deliver those programmes.
- Quality and Reputation: to stand out, providers must assure students of the quality of their courses. This leads into building strong brand reputation meaning companies compete to maintain the excellence of their courses.
With all this competition in the sector, some investors may feel overwhelmed. But in such a buoyant market which allows for competition, there is a considerable opportunity and potential for growth. The latest figures show that participation in adult education and training has increased by nearly 10% over the last year, with enrolment numbers and funding expected to maintain their upward trajectory year-on-year2. Moreover, with a wide range of students needing to be catered for, this creates more opportunities for adult education institutions. Just imagine, as an adult, you're unlikely to want to mix with teenagers whilst studying at a further education college whilst many private training providers only offer government-funded schemes with restricted learning outcomes, resulting in a significant number of adults still searching for the right opportunity. Finding a happy balance for students is central to Pitman Training's mission and this is just one of many reasons we stand out from the crowd.
Why Do People Choose Pitman Training?
Where choices abound, Pitman Training stands tall as a true trailblazer. What sets us apart from the pack? Well, it's not just one thing but a combination of factors that make us standout; offering in-depth support to our students, flexible study options and our strong brand recognition to name but a few. Don't just trust our word, this is what some of our graduates say about why Pitman Training was the best choice for them:
- Support: Whether our students learn at home or in-centre we strive to offer incredible ongoing support throughout their courses - "There was so much support from the team. They always made me feel welcome and helped with any question I had. It was easy to get a response about anything when I was at home. It was easy to feel motivated to complete the course because they were always checking in with me to make sure everything was okay."
- Training Centres: We believe that, to attract students, offering flexible study options that benefit their lives is essential - "I really enjoyed coming into the centre to catch up with the staff and progress in my course. I gained such a knowledge and confidence in my area of studies."
- Completing in Their Own Time: Life can be busy! Giving students the chance to complete their courses at their own speed is another way we stand out – "As a busy mother of three, to be able to do the course in my own time was the best part."
- Career Progression: We're all about outcomes for our students. We go the extra mile so that they can achieve the job or promotion they want. Because of this, we don't just offer courses, we have CV clinics, jobs boards in centres showcasing local jobs and session to improve interview techniques - "This place changed my life as it helped me in finding my new job and to enter the legal industry. Without Pitman Training it would have been much more difficult and would have taken longer. I will be forever grateful and definitely will recommend to anyone who wished to take a next step towards a new career."
- Brand Recognition and Great Reviews: Students need to have faith in the training they are undertaking. A great way for us to build trust and brand recognition is through our bank of great reviews – "I loved the atmosphere in the centre, professional but still like a home away from home. The staff were incredibly helpful and understanding at all times. I really liked the process of being able to take your time and study at your own pace. The Pitman Training certificates and diplomas are well known for their excellence, and I had a job in my chosen field within months of beginning the course."
Pitman Training: Your Unmatched Path to Learning Excellence
Whatever the competition in your local area, a Pitman Training centre is always going to shine through. Incredible support, flexible learning and a commitment to student success and progression create an unparalleled learning experience that attracts students across the UK. Add to that the recognition of a brand, started in 1837 with the first short-hand training from Sir Isaac Pitman, and the extensive support for franchise partners from our team at head office, your Pitman Training centre will stand out from the crowd, in any location.
- London Gov UK, Finding adult learning opportunities near you, Sep 2023
- Gov UK, Further education and skills statistics, July 2023