Go Virtual for internet training

The college, which was established in 1995, has expanded to become one of the UK’s biggest providers of e-learning courses.

Altogether, 600,000 people have boosted their career prospects with help from The Virtual College.

Chief executive Rod Knox said yesterday: “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 services.

“We have become a proven and viable alternative to traditional learning methods.”

The college is offering a suite of six free interactive, internet-based courses.

The courses cover a range of topics including, climbing the career ladder, customer care, time management, money matters, and health and safety at work.

The courses are provided free to anyone Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).

Mr Knox said: “This initiative is specifically designed to better equip people for employment, thus helping them to make a truly positive contribution to soc- iety.”

Marketing manager Peter Hilliard added: “Our courses are proving to be a valuable training resource for individuals and companies of all sizes.

“The system allows a record to be kept of course results, training needs and appraisals for each employee, and is a key tool for employers to get the very best from, what, nowadays, is very often a reduced workforce.”