The Learning Foundry

The Learning Foundry: vocational training and apprenticeships in Liverpool

The Learning Foundry is a training provider based in Liverpool city centre, working with individuals and businesses across Merseyside and the North West of England. The organisation presents itself as a full-service training provider, able to support both those looking to start or progress in their career and businesses that need to recruit staff or upskill their workforce. It is rated 'Good' by Ofsted and has over 30 years' experience.

The organisation has been part of The Regenda Group since July 2017, when it joined the group under its current name, having previously been known as Alder Training. According to its presentation, any profit it generates is reinvested into local communities, in line with the group's purpose of regenerating places and creating opportunities.

Training offer for individuals

The Learning Foundry's catalogue is organised into several strands aimed at students and people looking for work:

• Apprenticeships: programmes that combine paid employment and training, with access to a nationally recognised qualification. The organisation publishes live vacancies with local employers.
• Study programmes: training pathways for young people, including employability programmes for 16 to 18 year olds that allow them to start a career in 12 weeks.
• Free adult learning courses: short, no-cost training aimed at upskilling and retraining.
• Careers advice and guidance: career guidance and support services.

Among the subject areas detailed are housing management, construction and the built environment, and business administration. In housing, the organisation highlights that its qualifications are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and mentions the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing as one of its qualifications. In construction, the catalogue includes the Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship.

Training for employers and talent solutions

The organisation also works with employers through a service line that includes staff apprenticeships, funded short courses, recruitment services and workforce development programmes. Its offer for employers is presented under the heading of talent solutions, aimed at bringing in new talent or improving the skills of existing staff.

Campus and institutional activity

The Learning Foundry operates from a campus in Liverpool city centre. The organisation holds open days and information events for those seeking guidance on their next steps in training. It also maintains a news section featuring stories of students and graduates, such as an allocations and lettings advisor who completed the CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing, or a business administration apprentice working across different areas of The Regenda Group.

The organisation states a commitment to supporting neurodiversity and believes that no learner should be left behind in their personal and professional development. Its outreach activities include webinars, such as the one dedicated to preparing the workforce for the Competence and Conduct Standard for housing providers.

Location and contact

The Learning Foundry, Watson Building, 4 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 2SA · Phone: 0300 123 8088 · Email: info@thelearningfoundry.co.uk