Search results

Reliable information on the private provision of training is scarce. This article, based on analysis of Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and City and Guilds (C&G) data sets for the period 1996-97 to 1998-99, provides an estimate of around 300 private training providers (PTPs) operating in Scotland. Further analysis shows that many PTPs concentrate on vocational qualifications (VQs) - Levels I-III and this is the only area of provision where PTPs compete seriously with further education (FE) colleges. There is, however, no central data source to allow access to comprehensive information about PTPs' other provision. Much quantifiable training in PTPs occurs courtesy of various government sponsored schemes, and results in the award of VQs. It is these programs and qualifications that are focussed upon since they are numerically most important. PTPs operating in Scotland vary in the volume of their training business. Provision is dominated by a few large, multi-sited organisations. Case study analysis shows that many PTPs wish to diversify to reduce dependence on Local Enterprise Company (LEC) funding.