Estio Training
Estio Training is a UK-based digital apprenticeship provider delivering Levels 2-4 programmes in IT, data, cyber security, and digital marketing to 700+ employers and individual learners, funded primarily through the government Apprenticeship Levy as part of the Lyceum Education Group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersLeeds, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Estio Training does
Estio Training Ltd is a UK-based digital apprenticeship provider founded in 2012 and headquartered in Leeds. The company delivers apprenticeships at Levels 2, 3, and 4 covering hardware and networking, software and data, ICT support, data analysis, cyber security, and digital marketing, with content including AI-related modules such as Generative AI Foundations, Advanced Prompt Engineering, and AI-driven threat protection. Training is delivered remotely via live online workshops, coaching sessions, virtual labs, and a proprietary learning management system called ELMs that records off-the-job training and progression.
Revenue is generated primarily through the UK Apprenticeship Levy mechanism. For levy-paying employers (payroll above £3 million), training and assessment costs are drawn down monthly from the employer's Digital Apprenticeship Service account, while non-levy employers contribute only 5% with the government covering the remaining 95%. Listed price points per apprenticeship range from £4,000 for Level 2 foundation programmes to £18,000 for the Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist programme. Additional revenue streams include government incentive payments for hiring apprentices aged 16-18 and funding for English/maths training where required.
Estio operates as a subsidiary of the Lyceum Education Group, alongside BPP, Firebrand, Digital Marketing Institute, and other specialist education brands, which collectively provide access to over 1,500 vendor certifications and degree pathways. The company serves more than 700 UK employers across sectors including healthcare (NHS), retail (ASDA), financial services (Santander, Phoenix Group), broadcasting (Sky), housing, and cyber startups, with apprentices also sourced through the government GetMyFirstJob vacancy platform. Headcount is reported at 101-250 employees, and the business is Ofsted-rated as a Good Provider.
Estio Training firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Estio Training
- Legal name
- ESTIO TRAINING LTD
- Website
- https://estio.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Estio Training is a UK-based digital apprenticeship provider delivering Levels 2-4 programmes in IT, data, cyber security, and digital marketing to 700+ employers and individual learners, funded primarily through the government Apprenticeship Levy as part of the Lyceum Education Group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Estio Training industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Apprenticeship Training
- NAICS
- Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Computer Training (611420)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB), Information Technology & Software (EDAAAPAB), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE)
Keywords
Where Estio Training is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Leeds
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Estio Training business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Apprenticeship Training Funding (Levy-Paying Employers): Levy-paying employers (payroll above £3 million) use their Apprenticeship Levy funds held in their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account to fully fund apprenticeship training. Funds are drawn down monthly to cover training and assessment costs.
- Apprenticeship Training Funding (Non-Levy Employers): Non-levy employers contribute 5% of training costs while the government covers the remaining 95%. This government co-investment model provides cost-effective access to apprenticeship training.
- Employer Incentive Payments: Employers may receive additional incentive payments for hiring apprentices aged 16-18, as well as extra support for apprentices with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCP) and funding for English and maths training where required.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Level 2 Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Foundation Apprenticeship - £4,000 |
| Subscription | Annual | Level 2 Software and Data Foundation Apprenticeship - £4,000 |
| Subscription | Annual | Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship - £12,000 |
| Subscription | Annual | Level 3 Digital Marketing and AI Executive Apprenticeship - £11,000 |
| Subscription | Annual | Level 3 ICT Apprenticeship - £15,000 |
| Subscription | Annual | Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship - £15,000 |
| Subscription | Annual | Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship - £18,000 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Estio Training product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Estio Training designs and delivers government-funded digital apprenticeship programmes for UK employers and learners, spanning Levels 2–4 in IT, data, cyber security, and digital marketing. The company provides end-to-end apprenticeship services including candidate recruitment, screening, employer matching, remote training delivery through its ELMs learning management system, coaching, and end-point assessment preparation. Funding flows primarily through the UK Apprenticeship Levy, with non-levy employers contributing 5% co-investment.
Product overview
Estio Training is a leading provider of digital and technology apprenticeships, operating as part of the Lyceum Education Group. Its offering is structured as a multi-level apprenticeship portfolio spanning Levels 2 through 4 (with pathways to Level 7 degree apprenticeships), covering IT, data, cyber security, and digital marketing disciplines. The portfolio is anchored by seven named apprenticeship programmes — Level 2 Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Foundation; Level 2 Software and Data Foundation; Level 3 ICT; Level 3 Data Technician; Level 3 Digital Marketing and AI Executive; Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist; and Level 4 Data Analyst. These are delivered through Estio's own ELMs (learning management system) and supported by the broader Lyceum Education Group technology ecosystem (which also includes BPP, Firebrand, and DMI brands offering certifications, university degrees, and short courses). Apprenticeships include off-the-job training, live online workshops, coaching, and end-point assessment preparation. The Technology Solutions platform connects Estio's apprenticeship programmes with over 1,500 vendor certifications (AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, DMI) and university degree pathways, providing a full workforce development pipeline from entry-level through to senior specialist.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Level 2 Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Foundation Apprenticeship A Level 2 foundation programme covering hardware installation, network configuration, infrastructure maintenance, and cyber-security fundamentals, designed to build role-ready skills for IT support roles. Levy-funded at £4,000, with 95% government funding for non-levy employers.
- Level 2 Software and Data Foundation Apprenticeship A Level 2 programme developing core data, software, and AI-ready skills through practical tasks, virtual labs, and workplace scenarios, covering Python fundamentals, data collection, and AI-powered writing. Levy-funded at £4,000, with 95% government funding for non-levy employers.
- Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship A Level 3 apprenticeship enabling learners to collect, clean, and analyse data using tools such as SQL, Python, and Power BI, building real-world data skills for technician roles. Levy-funded at £12,000, with 95% government funding for non-levy employers.
- Level 3 ICT Apprenticeship (Information Communications Technician) A Level 3 apprenticeship qualifying learners as Information Communications Technicians, covering IT support, CompTIA A+ certification, cloud computing, scripting, and IT infrastructure management. Levy-funded at £15,000, with 95% government funding for non-levy employers.
- Level 3 Digital Marketing and AI Executive Apprenticeship (Multi-Channel Marketer) A Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer apprenticeship covering SEO, email marketing, social media strategy, content creation, campaign management, and Artificial Intelligence in Marketing, certified by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). Levy-funded at £11,000, with 95% government funding for non-levy employers.
- Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship A Level 4 apprenticeship developing cyber threat analysis, cryptography, risk assessment, security architectures, incident response, and AI-driven threat protection skills for cyber security roles. Levy-funded at £18,000, with 95% government funding for non-levy employers.
- Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship A Level 4 apprenticeship focused on data analysis, visualisation, advanced analytics, Power BI, Generative AI foundations, prompt engineering, and AI strategy, preparing learners for data analyst roles. Levy-funded at £15,000, with 95% government funding for non-levy employers.
- Technology Solutions (Estio) A unified technology skills ecosystem offered by Estio as part of the Lyceum Education Group, providing apprenticeship programmes (Levels 2–7), IT certifications, university degrees, short courses, and structured pathways for workforce development across data, analytics, cyber security, IT, digital marketing, and software development.
Quantifiable outcome
- 94% of new-recruit digital apprentices progress into full-time roles
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Estio Training
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Estio Training technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Estio Training partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Lyceum Education GroupcoreEstio is part of Lyceum Education Group, a global portfolio of specialist education providers. The group brings together BPP, Firebrand, Estio, Digital Marketing Institute, Buttercups Training, Acsenda College, and Arbutus College under one ecosystem. Estio focuses on digital apprenticeships while leveraging the group's broader training capabilities including BPP University degrees, IT certifications from AWS/Microsoft/Cisco/CompTIA, and professional qualifications.
- BPPcorePart of the Lyceum Education Group family. BPP provides AI, Data & Analytics training alongside Estio's apprenticeship programmes, forming a comprehensive technology skills ecosystem.
- FirebrandcorePart of the Lyceum Education Group family. Firebrand specialises in Software Development and Cyber Security training, complementing Estio's apprenticeship offerings.
- Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)corePartnership for Digital Marketing and Project Management training. Estio's Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship includes Certified Digital Marketing Professional certification by DMI.
- BPP UniversitycorePart of Lyceum Education Group, BPP University is one of the UK's only private institutions with indefinite degree-awarding powers. Provides university degree qualifications that connect with Estio's apprenticeship pathways.
- GetMyFirstJobcoreGovernment-approved apprenticeship platform where Estio lists vacancies. Learners find and apply for Estio apprenticeships through this channel.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Estio Training competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- QA Apprenticeships: One of the UK's largest digital and technology apprenticeship providers. Directly competes with Estio for employer apprenticeship contracts across IT, data, cyber, and software disciplines, with comparable funding model (Apprenticeship Levy) and overlapping customer base of UK enterprises.
- Just IT Training: UK-based IT and digital apprenticeship specialist offering programmes in software development, data, cyber security, and infrastructure. Closely mirrors Estio's portfolio mix, target customers (UK employers), and apprenticeship-only business model.
- Baltic Apprenticeships: UK digital apprenticeship provider with similar breadth across IT, software, data, and digital marketing apprenticeships. Competes directly with Estio for levy-paying employer contracts and operates a comparable recruitment-led GTM motion.
- Multiverse: UK-based digital and data apprenticeship provider focused on higher-level programmes (Level 4+). Overlaps with Estio's data and tech apprenticeship portfolio, particularly for enterprise customers seeking degree-level and professional apprenticeships.
Emerging players
- Firebrand Training: Sister company under Lyceum Education Group; specialises in accelerated instructor-led IT and cyber training and certifications. While not a direct apprenticeship competitor, it overlaps with Estio's IT certification portfolio and shares customer/parent ecosystem context.
- Corndel: UK provider of professional apprenticeships in data, digital, technology, and leadership. Competes with Estio for higher-value Level 4-7 apprenticeship programmes among UK enterprise customers.
- Apprentify: UK digital marketing and technology apprenticeship provider. Direct overlap with Estio's Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer and broader digital apprenticeship portfolio; serves similar UK SMB and mid-market employer segments.
- Code Nation: UK provider focused on software engineering and digital apprenticeships. Competes with Estio on software/developer apprenticeship demand, particularly for non-levy paying employers and career changers.
Broad incumbents
- BPP: Sister company under Lyceum Education Group with university degree-awarding powers and broader professional training. While a strategic partner rather than a competitor within the group, it represents a broader incumbent in UK vocational/degree education that competes for higher-level apprenticeship and training budgets.
Others
- Digital Marketing Institute: Global provider of digital marketing certifications; partner rather than direct competitor. Embeds its Certified Digital Marketing Professional into Estio's Multi-Channel Marketer apprenticeship, illustrating the Lyceum ecosystem integration model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Estio Training social profiles
Digital presenceEstio Training compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Estio Training financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Estio Training leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Estio Training funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Estio Training M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Estio Training
What does Estio Training do?
Estio Training designs and delivers government-funded digital apprenticeship programmes for UK employers and learners, spanning Levels 2–4 in IT, data, cyber security, and digital marketing. The company provides end-to-end apprenticeship services including candidate recruitment, screening, employer matching, remote training delivery through its ELMs learning management system, coaching, and end-point assessment preparation. Funding flows primarily through the UK Apprenticeship Levy, with non-levy employers contributing 5% co-investment.
Is Estio Training a public or private company?
Estio Training is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Estio Training founded?
Estio Training was founded in 2012. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Estio Training based?
Estio Training is headquartered in Leeds, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Estio Training make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Apprenticeship Training Funding (Levy-Paying Employers) is the primary driver. The others are apprenticeship Training Funding (Non-Levy Employers) and employer Incentive Payments.
Who are Estio Training's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are QA Apprenticeships, Just IT Training, Baltic Apprenticeships and Multiverse. Emerging players are Firebrand Training, Corndel, Apprentify and Code Nation. BPP is listed as a broad incumbent. Digital Marketing Institute is listed as an others.
Does Estio Training have an API?
No public API is recorded for Estio Training.
What industry is Estio Training in?
Estio Training's product category is Digital Apprenticeship Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPACANAK, Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs, with a secondary code of BPACANAB, Technical & Digital Skills Training. Its NAICS code is 611513 and its SIC code is 8200.