EDI acquires Sector Training

Awarding body EDI has acquired Sector Training, the FE professional development services provider, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will help EDI, which provides quality assurance services for work-based learning programmes and Apprenticeships, expand further into the FE college sector.

Nigel Snook, EDI’s chief executive, said: “I am delighted that Sector Training has now become part of the EDI Group. The organisation and its key staff enjoy an excellent reputation within the further education sector.

“The services they provide fit in well with EDI’s range of quality assurance and learner support services. Together I believe we can provide an important range of services to support efficiency gains in colleges, through a single point of contact and tailored to particular local needs.”

To help build on the awarding body’s presence with colleges, EDI has also announced the appointment of Ioan Morgan, former principal of Warwickshire College and the first chair of the 157 Group, as FE strategy adviser.

Sector Training’s principal consultant, Beej Kaczmarczyk, said: “I believe that joining forces with an innovative, forward looking and customer focused awarding organisation offers an exciting opportunity to extend and strengthen our relationship with our partners across the further education sector.”

Releasing preliminary results earlier this week, EDI posted a 14% rise in operating profit to £9.2 million for the year ended 30 September 2010, compared with £8.1 million for the corresponding period last year. Revenues increased 4% to £29.5 million from £28.3 million.

Jason Rainbow

(Pictured: EDI chief executive Nigel Snook)