Nova Training

What Nova Training does

Nova Training is a UK-based vocational education and apprenticeship provider established in 1992, headquartered in Willenhall, West Midlands, and operating 13 training centres across the West Midlands and East of England. The company is family-run and Ofsted-rated 'Good' across all inspection areas. Nova delivers apprenticeship programmes from Level 2 to Level 5 (covering motor vehicle, business administration, customer service, retail, education, warehousing, and management), 16-18 study programmes, 14-16 school-based alternative provision, GCSE English and Maths resits, and SEND programmes including Supported Internships. Apprenticeships are delivered through a dedicated coach model with assessors visiting employer premises every four weeks.

Revenue is generated primarily through government-funded apprenticeship streams (Apprenticeship Levy from large employers and government contributions for SMEs, routed via ESFA), supplemented by 16-19 bursary funding (up to £1,200 per eligible learner), local authority SEND high-needs commissioning for EHCP learners, and a fee-paying MOT & Commercial Training portfolio at the bespoke Wolverhampton centre (MOT Manager £450+VAT, MOT Tester £850+VAT, F-GAS £200+VAT). Go-to-market is hybrid: direct-to-consumer learner acquisition through 13 physical centres, school outreach, open days, and careers events for the 14-24 age range; combined with B2B account management for employer partnerships that source apprentices and host work placements. Named employer partners include Howdens, LWC Drinks, Wacker Neuson, North Norfolk District Council, AMA Waste, Hayley Dexis, and Fix Auto Birmingham East.

The underlying technology stack consists of standard e-portfolio and assessment platforms (WBL, BKSB, Electude) rather than proprietary systems. The business is asset-heavy in physical infrastructure (13 centres with vocational workshops, ICT classrooms, Smart Boards) and people-heavy (150+ specialist teaching staff per company commentary), with the apprenticeship coach model being the operational backbone. The company has no disclosed external equity backing or parent entity, suggesting founder/family ownership with operating independence.

Name

Nova Training

Legal name

Nova Training

Website

https://novatraining.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Nova Training is a UK-based, Ofsted-rated 'Good' vocational training provider established in 1992, operating 13 centres across the West Midlands and East of England. It delivers government-funded apprenticeships (Level 2-5), 16-18 study programmes, GCSE resits, SEND programmes, and fee-paying MOT commercial training, serving young people aged 14-24 and employer partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Apprenticeship Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Training Delivery Providers (In-Person, Virtual, Train-the-Trainer) (BPACANAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB)

Keywords

• Vocational training
• Apprenticeship programmes
• Further education
• Work-based learning
• Employer training services

Headquarters

HQ city

Willenhall

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Apprenticeship Funding: Government-funded apprenticeship programs for employers. Nova Training is an approved training provider registered with ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency). Apprenticeships are free for learners; funding comes from the Apprenticeship Levy paid by large employers or government contributions for smaller businesses.
2. Employer Training Services: Nova Training provides Level 2 to Level 5 qualifications to new and existing employees of employer partners, including tailored training needs analysis, bespoke bolt-on qualifications, and management services for larger apprenticeship contracts.
3. MOT & Commercial Training: Commercial courses including MOT Manager (£450+VAT), MOT Tester (£850+VAT), F-GAS Training (£200+VAT), Pre-MOT Tester (£450+VAT), and MOT CPD (£125+VAT). These are fee-paying courses delivered at their Wolverhampton centre.
4. 16-19 Bursary Fund: Government-funded bursary payments up to £1,200 per year for eligible disadvantaged learners to support transport, meals, clothing, books, and equipment for education.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Nova Training is an Ofsted-rated 'Good' private training provider delivering vocational education, apprenticeship programmes (Level 2 to Level 5), GCSE resits, SEND-supported learning, and MOT/commercial training to young people aged 14–24 and to employer partners across 13 training centres in the West Midlands and East of England. Core offerings include apprenticeship training across Motor Vehicle, Business Administration, Customer Service, Retail, Education, and Supply Chain sectors; Study Programmes for 16–18 year olds; SEND Local Offer with Supported Internships; and IMI-accredited MOT Tester, MOT Manager, F-GAS, Pre-MOT Tester, and MOT CPD commercial courses.

Product overview

Nova Training is an Ofsted-rated 'Good' training provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of education and vocational training programmes across the West Midlands and East of England. The organisation operates 13 training centres and delivers programmes from Level 2 to Level 5, including Apprenticeship Training across Motor Vehicle, Business, Customer Service, Retail, Education, and Production sectors; Study Programmes for 16-18 year olds; School Provision for ages 14-16; SEND Local Offer with Supported Internships; GCSE Resits; Pre-Apprenticeship Training; and MOT & Commercial Training for automotive professionals. The portfolio also includes Esports as a新兴 vocational area, and vocational courses in Construction and Motor Vehicle. Nova Training primarily serves as an education and training provider rather than a technology product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Apprenticeship Training Apprenticeship programmes from Level 2 to Level 5 across Motor Vehicle, Business Administration, Customer Service, Retail, Education, Management, Production, and Supply Chain Warehouse sectors, with employer partnerships and dedicated apprenticeship coaches. Delivered at employer workplaces and Nova centres across the West Midlands and East of England.
• Study Programme (16-18) Tailored programme for 16-18 year-olds combining City and Guilds Employability Skills certificates, work experience placements, functional English/Maths/ICT, vocational qualifications, and personal development. Delivered at Nova's 13 training centres.
• School Provision 14 to 16 Vocational courses for students in Years 10 and 11 (ages 14-16) covering Business Administration, Retail, Customer Service, Functional Skills (Maths, English, ICT), Motor Vehicle, and Construction, with specialist courses at Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Oldbury, and Clacton.
• SEND Local Offer Special Educational Needs and Disabilities programme providing small group learning, 1:1 support, RARPA assessment, travel training, employability skills, and pathways to Supported Internships or Apprenticeships. For EHCP-holders and learners with learning difficulties.
• Supported Internship 12-month programme for 16-24 year-olds with EHCP or learning difficulty assessment, providing unpaid work placement with an employer, job coach support, vocational qualifications, and English/Maths development.
• GCSE English and Maths Resits GCSE English and Maths resit courses for learners who achieved Grade 3 (or D) previously. Includes weekly Google Classroom lessons with supplementary in-person support and exam preparation, aimed at achieving Grade 4 or above.
• Pre-Apprenticeship Training Pre-Apprenticeship Academy Programme helping learners develop workplace skills and confidence before entering apprenticeships, with pathways in Business Admin, Customer Service, Motor Vehicle, Warehousing, and Early Years.
• BTEC Level 2 Esports BTEC Level 2 Esports course teaching competitive video gaming skills, business enterprise, leadership, teamwork, and digital skills. Available in Wolverhampton and Bloxwich for learners aged 16-18.
• Autocare Technician Apprenticeship (Level 2) Apprenticeship for motor vehicle technicians covering fast-fit services and repairs to cars, vans, and light goods vehicles using diagnostic equipment and tools.
• Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Level 3 apprenticeship covering advanced diagnostics, repair, and servicing of heavy vehicles and light vehicles in workshop environments.
• Business Administrator Apprenticeship (Level 3) Level 3 apprenticeship developing essential office skills including IT systems, communication, project support, and day-to-day business processes.
• Customer Service Practitioner/Specialist Apprenticeship Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships developing customer service skills for handling enquiries, resolving issues, and managing customer relationships professionally.
• Early Years Practitioner/Educator Apprenticeship Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships for careers in childcare, supporting children's learning, development, and care in early years settings.
• Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeships for classroom support, pupil assistance, SEN support, and behaviour strategies.
• Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship Level 2 apprenticeship covering warehouse operations including deliveries, stock management, picking/packing, equipment operation, and goods handling.
• Management & Coaching Apprenticeships Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeships for Team Leader/Supervisor, Operations/Departmental Manager, Improvement Technician, and Coaching Professional roles.
• MOT Manager Course IMI Level 3 award for running MOT vehicle test stations, covering legislative compliance, customer service, staff supervision, and quality systems. 2-day course at Wolverhampton (£450+VAT).
• MOT Tester Course IMI Level 2 award in MOT testing (classes 4 and 7) for qualifying as an MOT tester. 4-day course covering vehicle testing, pre-test checks, and DVSA assessment preparation (£850+VAT).
• F-GAS Training — Mobile Air Conditioning IMI Level 3 award in automotive refrigerant handling meeting EU F-gas regulation requirements for MAC technicians. 1-day course at Wolverhampton (£200+VAT).
• Pre-MOT Tester Course 1-day Pre-MOT Tester course for experienced technicians who lack formal MOT testing qualifications, providing a route to MOT Tester status (£450+VAT).
• MOT CPD Course Half-day annual MOT CPD update training and exam to maintain MOT Tester registration and meet DVSA annual CPD requirements (£125+VAT).
• Construction Training Level 1 construction programme covering Brickwork and Painting & Decorating trades with practical workshop sessions and work experience placements.
• Motor Vehicle Training Level 1 motor vehicle programme covering vehicle engine systems, electrical systems, suspension, and body fitting with practical workshop activities.
• Employer Recruitment Service (Apprenticeships) Dedicated recruiter service for employers that handles vacancy advertising, candidate shortlisting, initial interviews and assessments, and forwarding suitable candidates. For larger contracts Nova provides management of apprenticeship qualification delivery.

Quantifiable outcome

• 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency)coreOthersNova Training is an approved provider registered with the Education and Skills Funding Agency, receiving government funding to deliver apprenticeship programmes across England.
• GOV.UK Apprenticeship ServicecoreTechnology or IntegrationNova Training uses the GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship service to advertise apprenticeship vacancies and process applications for learners.
• West Midlands RailwayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransportation partner providing rail access to the Birmingham (Stechford) training centre location.
• Howdens JoineryflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor national employer partner offering customer service apprenticeships. Megan was promoted within the company during her apprenticeship, demonstrating successful employer-apprentice relationship.
• North Norfolk District CouncilcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal government employer partner hosting multiple Business Administration apprentices (Lynn and Willow) in their Benefits and Planning departments.
• LWC DrinkscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK's largest drinks distributor employing apprentices through Nova Training. Katie completed a Business Administration apprenticeship with this employer.
• Wacker NeusoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConstruction equipment company employing multiple Nova apprentices including Scott (Supply Chain Warehouse Operative) and Stella (Business Administration) at their Stafford location.
• AMA Waste ManagementcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWaste management company in Kings Lynn employing Customer Service Practitioner apprentices including Megan who progressed to speaking with customers daily.
• Fix Auto Birmingham EastcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVehicle repair company with excellent working relationship with Nova for apprenticeship recruitment. Nova handles advertising, interview, selection, and work experience arrangements.
• Hayley DexiscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLargest independent distributor of engineering products in the UK employing apprentices for Tenders and Business Support and Customer-Facing Engineering Stores roles.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Remit Training: Remit Training is an independent UK apprenticeship and vocational training provider delivering programmes across health, business, and motor vehicle sectors. Directly comparable to Nova's apprenticeship delivery, ESFA-registered model, and multi-region centre footprint.
• JTL Training: JTL is a large UK training provider specialising in apprenticeships for the building services engineering sector (electrical, plumbing). Comparable to Nova in its apprenticeship delivery model and employer-funded revenue mix, though concentrated in construction trades rather than Nova's broader vocational spread.
• Lifetime Training: Lifetime Training is one of the UK's largest independent apprenticeship and vocational training providers, offering programmes across multiple sectors. It is directly comparable to Nova Training in its apprenticeship delivery model, employer-funded revenue mix, and regional centre footprint, but operates at materially larger scale.
• Training 2000: Training 2000 is an independent UK training provider delivering apprenticeships and vocational programmes, with a strong presence in the North West. Comparable to Nova on ESFA-funded apprenticeship delivery, employer-funded model, and group training association structure.
• Paragon Skills: Paragon Skills is an Ofsted-rated apprenticeship provider offering programmes across health, education, business, and automotive sectors. Directly comparable to Nova on apprenticeship standards delivery, employer-funded model, and learner outcomes focus.

Emerging players

• Multiverse: Multiverse is a UK-focused apprenticeships and training provider targeting tech, data, and professional services. Comparable to Nova on the apprenticeship business model and employer partnerships, but focused on white-collar professional apprenticeships rather than vocational/technical trades.

Broad incumbents

• Babcock Training (Babcock International): Babcock is a large, publicly-listed UK training and apprenticeship provider operating across defence, nuclear, and critical skills. It overlaps with Nova Training on apprenticeship delivery and government-funded skills contracts, but at much greater scale and within a broader portfolio of services.
• Seetec: Seetec is a large UK training and skills provider offering apprenticeships, employability programmes, and vocational training nationwide. Comparable to Nova on apprenticeship delivery and government-funded contracts, but with a much broader service portfolio and national delivery model.

Others

• City & Guilds: City & Guilds is one of the UK's leading vocational awarding bodies, where Nova Training is an approved centre. Relevant as an accreditation body whose qualifications underpin Nova's apprenticeship delivery and as an industry benchmark for technical training quality.

Regional players

• learndirect: learndirect is one of the UK's largest online vocational training providers offering apprenticeships and funded programmes. Comparable to Nova on apprenticeship delivery and ESFA-funded contracts, but primarily digital rather than centre-based delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/novatraining
• Instagraminstagram.com/novatraining
• Xx.com/novatraining
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nova-training

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nova Training