The Virtual Learning Academy opens up office in Inverness

The Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) has been operating from Invergordon since 2012, to provide blended learning opportunities to employees in a variety of sectors across the Highlands.

The mission of The VLA is to break-down the barriers to learning to ensure opportunity for all. It has been creating and innovating new methods of course delivery to meet the learning style and needs of those with diverse work and life commitments.

The team at the VLA can support your business needs by equipping your staff with the relevant qualifications and training they need to grow and further their professional development in a way that suits them, and you.

This year, it has opened up an office at Green House, Inverness in order to further its reach and serve clients in the Highland capital at a central location.

Speaking about the opening of the VLA’s second office, Louise Wheeler, head of commercial operations said: “The new office provides us with a presence in Inverness, which is a necessity as we continue to grow in size and add to the portfolio of products we can deliver across the region.

“The office provides an additional exam room for our candidates who are undertaking exams and it provides us with a central location to meet with existing and potential clients and deliver workshops to learners.

“Our new office is also a great opportunity for us to build our brand within the Highland capital.”

The VLA’s bespoke training solutions enable it to work qualifications around your staff, rather than them having to change their life around the qualification.

“Our initial assessment allows us to identify the training needs of each candidate”, said Louise.

“We can then propose a suitable framework that is tailored to the individual needs of each candidate, considering their job role, experience, and support needs.

“We offer a comprehensive range of qualifications that allow us to match the correct qualification to the individual’s needs.”

One of the current issues facing employers in the region - and the UK - is an employee shortage.

The VLA is helping to address this by working with employers to create more opportunities in the Highlands.

Louise said: “We deliver Modern Apprenticeship frameworks that are diverse and flexible. We work closely with employers to provide full and part- funded qualifications, which helps to encourage more opportunities within the Highlands employment market, to both existing and new employees.

“Additionally, we also provide recruitment services for clients to help find quick and effective recruitment solutions.”

The VLA is a champion of apprenticeships, and this month it celebrated Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

Louise commented: “We supported Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023 to show the positive impact work- based learning has on businesses, people and the Scottish economy.

“This year’s theme was Unlocking Potential and it was an opportunity to showcase what individuals and employers can achieve through apprenticeships.

“By unlocking potential and providing the skills employers want, apprenticeships support sustained employment, upskilling and a productive economy.

“Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships are supporting over 43,000 apprentices and 12,000 businesses across the country.

“Apprenticeships open opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities to gain and develop skills that will support them throughout their life and in work.

“Employers can realise their potential with the support of apprenticeships, by developing a workforce that supports the skills they need for now and the future.”

The VLAs vision for 2023 is to continue to support employers and employees in the region to be fully equipped and thriving. It is also increasing the delivery of Foundation Apprenticeships within Highland secondary schools, in house and remotely.

If you want more information about The VLA and how it can support your staff and business, then just get in touch with the team via email or on the phone.

Contact details:

W: www.vla.scot

T: 01349 853037

E: info@virtuallearningacademy.co.uk

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.