Agency buys new building to create 500 apprenticeships

The Peterlee-based Profound Group is planning to develop new training programmes - just weeks after we told how it was helping dozens of people to get a foot on the careers ladder.

Now, the firm has revealed its bid to double its apprentice intake this academic year.

Profound wants to increase apprenticeships for 16-18-year-olds by 50 per cent and its engagement with employers by 40 per cent. And that all means around 500 apprenticeships being created.

To support its drive, it has bought a new 8,200sq ft office in Fern Court, close to its headquarters in the Peterlee Business Park. It is the fourth building that Profound has in the East Durham area.

Company chairman Steven Ward said the business has grown year on year since 2006, and the new building was “a significant investment in our learning facilities. We are committed to be prepared to further meet the government demands for apprenticeships and employer demands for further skills”

The expansion comes as the government pledges to create three million apprenticeships by 2020.

Chief executive Paul Champion said: “This move will enable us to further achieve our ambitions to become an outstanding provider delivering high quality learning for learners, employers and the local community.”

Profound was established in 2006. Its services include apprenticeships, traineeships, commercial training, and employability programmes.