ISA Training

What ISA Training does

ISA Training is a Wales-based apprenticeship provider specialising in hair, beauty and barbering vocational training, operating as the flagship specialist brand within the Educ8 Training Group. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed (CF82 7EH), the company is one of only ten prime contractors authorised by the Welsh Government to deliver fully funded apprenticeships across Wales, serving learners aged 14+ and employers across more than 20 sectors including hairdressing, barbering, nails and beauty therapy, health and social care, childcare, business administration, customer service, digital marketing, leadership and management, project management, energy and carbon management, animal care, and equine (BHS Stages) pathways.

Programmes are delivered through a blended learning model combining on-the-job workplace training, face-to-face coach visits and online learning via a Learner Moodle platform, Smart Assessor for assessment management, Microsoft Teams for remote delivery, an AspiEd digital skills platform and a proprietary VR hair styling simulator. Qualifications are accredited by City & Guilds, ILM, BHS and Agored Cymru and range from Entry Level to Level 5, including the Healthcare Science Level 4 — described as the first of its kind in Wales.

ISA Training earns revenue almost entirely through Welsh Government apprenticeship contracts: all courses are fully funded with no cost to learners or employers. Go-to-market combines direct employer account management (skills-gap analysis and apprentice recruitment), a self-serve apprenticeship vacancies portal, school partnerships via the Elev8 in Schools programme (launched September 2025 for ages 14–16), and referral channels through Careers Wales and Welsh-language outreach. The wider Educ8 Training Group, which has nearly 300 staff, has grown via the 2022 acquisitions of Haddon Training and Aspire 2Be and is majority-owned (51%) by employees through a Worker Ownership Trust established in 2022.

Name

ISA Training

Legal name

ISA Training

Website

https://isatraining.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ISA Training is a Wales-based apprenticeship provider and one of ten Welsh Government prime contractors, delivering fully funded hair, beauty, barbering and multi-sector vocational programmes (Levels 1–5) to learners and employers across South Wales through blended workplace and online learning.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Apprenticeship Training

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Cosmetology and Barber Schools (611511), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

Keywords

• Hairdressing apprenticeships
• Beauty therapy training
• Barbering apprenticeships
• Vocational education wales
• Apprenticeship delivery

Headquarters

HQ city

Ystrad Mynach

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Welsh Government Funded Apprenticeships: ISA Training is a prime contractor under Welsh Government, delivering fully funded apprenticeships across Wales. Revenue is derived from government funding contracts to provide apprenticeship training, with no cost to learners or employers. This includes programmes such as JGW+ (Jobs Growth Wales+) and ReAct+ for redundant workers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ISA Training delivers fully funded apprenticeship programmes across Wales, with a specialism in hair, beauty, and barbering at Levels 2–3, and a broader portfolio covering health and social care, childcare, leadership and management, business administration, digital marketing, project management, energy and carbon management, animal care, horse care, and other vocational sectors from Entry Level to Level 5. Programmes are delivered through a blended learning approach combining on-the-job training in the workplace with online learning via Moodle and Smart Assessor, supported by industry-active trainer coaches. All programmes are fully funded by Welsh Government as part of ISA's role as one of ten prime contractors.

Product overview

ISA Training is Wales' longest-running specialist in hair, beauty, and barbering apprenticeships, operating as part of the Educ8 Training Group. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of apprenticeship programs across multiple vocational sectors including hairdressing, nails and beauty, barbering, animal care, horse care, health and social care, childcare, business administration, customer service, digital marketing, leadership and management, project management, and energy management. Programs range from Entry Level to Level 5 and are fully funded by Welsh Government. The company delivers courses through blended learning approaches utilizing online platforms (Learner Moodle, Smart Assessor, AspireEd) combined with workplace-based training and assessment. Notable offerings include the Elev8 school-based program for ages 14-16, BHS Stages certification for horse care, and Healthcare Science (Level 4) - the first of its kind in Wales. Apprenticeships are designed to be earn-while-you-learn programs with no cost to learners or employers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Elev8 – Hair & Beauty in Schools: A hands-on, City & Guilds-accredited course designed for learners aged 14–16, delivered directly in schools as part of the Educ8 Group's Elev8 initiative.
• Gradu8
• ISA Connect

Products and services

• Hairdressing Apprenticeships Flagship apprenticeship specialising in hairdressing at Levels 2 and 3, covering cutting, styling, colouring, shampooing, conditioning, and advanced techniques. Includes VR headset tools for immersive training in sustainable, risk-free digital environments. Targeted at individuals aged 16+ and salon employers across Wales.
• Nails and Beauty Apprenticeships Beauty therapy apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 covering nail services, skincare, makeup, and massage treatments. Pathways include Beauty Therapy Level 2, Beauty Therapy Level 3 (Massage), and Nail Services at both levels. Targeted at aspiring beauty professionals and salon employers.
• Barbering Apprenticeships Specialist barbering apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 covering consultation, shampooing, conditioning, cutting techniques, colouring, and advanced services for men's hair and facial treatments. Targeted at aspiring barbers and barber shop employers across Wales.
• Elev8 – Hair & Beauty in Schools School-based hair and beauty programme for learners aged 14–16, delivered directly in Welsh secondary schools as part of the Educ8 Group's Elev8 initiative. City & Guilds-accredited course covering styling, plaiting, makeup, nail art, skincare, health, safety, hygiene, and customer service. Targeted at secondary schools and school-age learners across Wales.
• BHS Stages (Camau BHS) Horse Care Apprenticeships British Horse Society certification pathways from Stage 2 to Stage 4 covering horse care, riding, grooming, yard management, and horse training. Delivered in partnership with BHS, with BHS-qualified instructors delivering assessments. Targeted at individuals pursuing equestrian careers.
• Jobs Growth Wales Plus (JGW+) Welsh Government-funded training programme for young people aged 16–19 in South Wales offering Level 1 qualifications in hairdressing, barbering, and beauty. Includes weekly allowance of £30–£60, meal allowance, and travel support. Targeted at young people not in education, employment, or training.
• Health and Social Care Apprenticeships Comprehensive health and social care apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 5 covering professional practice, leadership, and management. Includes pathways for adults, children and young people, and healthcare science (the first of its kind in Wales). Targeted at healthcare employers and care sector workers.
• Support Teaching and Learning (STL) Level 3 qualification for school support staff, teaching assistants, and learning support assistants. Covers supporting teaching and learning, supporting learners with additional learning needs, and digital technology integration. Includes access to the AspiEd digital skills platform.
• Leadership and Management (ILM) Apprenticeships ILM-accredited leadership and management qualifications from Levels 2 to 5 covering team leadership, line management, middle management, and strategic leadership. Includes business administration and project management pathways. Targeted at aspiring and current managers.
• Business Administration Apprenticeships Business administration apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 4 covering office procedures, information management, event coordination, system analysis, project management, budget management, and business process design. Targeted at office staff and aspiring administrators.
• Customer Service Apprenticeships Customer service apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 covering social media for customer service, diary management, customer information processing, conflict resolution, customer retention, and team performance management.
• Social Media for Business Apprenticeship Level 3 qualification in social media marketing covering campaign planning, execution, analysis, content creation, brand building, visual software tools, and digital communication across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Digital Marketing Apprenticeships Digital marketing qualifications at Levels 3 and 4 covering PPC, SEO, email marketing, campaign planning, competitor analysis, visual and video media software, online display advertising, and brand development.
• Energy and Carbon Management Apprenticeship Level 3 qualification focused on helping businesses reduce energy costs and carbon emissions to meet Welsh Government's net-zero target by 2050. Covers carbon management, water management, and corporate social responsibility.
• Project Management Apprenticeship Level 4 qualification covering project management principles, stakeholder communication, project financing, risk management, quality assurance, contracts, project scope, timelines, and leadership.
• Beauty Therapy and Nail Services Apprenticeships Beauty therapy apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 covering skincare, hand and foot treatments, makeup, and massage therapy. Nail services pathways at Levels 2 and 3 include UV gel and liquid powder nail enhancements and nail art design.
• Animal Care Apprenticeships Animal care apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 covering animal welfare, dog breeding, pet care, retail, and wildlife facilities. Includes animal first aid, health monitoring, species and breed knowledge, and enrichment activities.
• Horse Care Apprenticeships Horse care apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 covering horse care, riding and non-riding paths, training and breeding, diet planning, feeding regimens, and health care treatments. Partnered with British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA).
• Childcare Apprenticeships Early years childcare apprenticeships from Levels 2 to 5 covering play, learning, growth, and development of young children in Wales. Includes mandatory units on health and welfare, positive behaviour approaches, and optional units for speech, language, communication, and supporting children with disabilities.
• Advice and Guidance Apprenticeship Level 4 City & Guilds qualification for professionals providing advice and guidance. Covers case load management, legislation, assisting clients with action plans, negotiation, research, group learning facilitation, and mediation.
• Digital Learning Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 3 qualification for digital learning practitioners covering digital learning theory and techniques, digital strategy implementation, digital tools for teaching, immersive technologies, and mobile learning. Agored Cymru-accredited.
• Children and Young People (CYP) Apprenticeships Level 3 to 5 qualifications for those working with children and young people covering care coordination, support for disabled children, independent living skills, and professional practice in health or social care settings.
• Clinical Healthcare Support Apprenticeships Clinical healthcare support qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 covering sensitive information handling, care standards, optional units including therapy sessions, clinical procedures, medication administration, intravenous cannulation, and catheterisation.
• Healthcare Science Apprenticeship Level 4 qualification, the first of its kind in Wales, designed to upskill NHS workers. Covers over 50 disciplines including audiologist, blood science, and clinical engineering. Leads to registration as Associate Healthcare Scientist.
• Leadership and Management for Educators (ILM) Apprenticeships ILM Level 4 and 5 qualifications for educators covering leadership, management, performance management, stakeholder relationships, innovation, coaching, mentoring, strategic planning, change management, and digital skills.

Quantifiable outcome

• 97% of learners report that their apprenticeship developed skills and knowledge useful in their job and career.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Welsh GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004Welsh Government is the primary funder of ISA Training's apprenticeship programmes. ISA Training is one of only ten prime contractors with contracts to deliver fully funded apprenticeships across Wales. Funding covers JGW+, ReAct+, and all standard apprenticeship qualifications with no cost to learners or employers.
• City & GuildscoreOthersCity & Guilds is the awarding body for many ISA Training qualifications, including hairdressing, beauty therapy, and Advice & Guidance Level 4. City & Guilds accredited status ensures nationally recognised certificates upon course completion.
• BHS (British Horse Society)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHS Stages apprenticeship programmes are delivered in partnership with the British Horse Society. BHS-qualified instructors deliver assessments aligned to BHS criteria, enabling learners to earn BHS-recognised credentials for equestrian careers.
• BGA (British Grooms Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEduc8 Training is partnered with the British Grooms Association, ensuring all horse care learners receive professional-standard training. Learners gain access to a unique BGA membership discount to support them in completing their qualification.
• EEA (Equestrian Employers Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the Equestrian Employers Association supports horse care apprenticeships, aligning training with industry employer standards and providing professional development pathways.
• Haddon TrainingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired by Educ8 Training Group, Haddon Training expands the group's apprenticeship offerings beyond Wales into the wider UK market.
• Aspire 2BeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired by Educ8 Training Group, Aspire 2Be provides digital skills programmes (Digital Tycoons, Design for Life, Create Academy) delivered alongside ISA Training's Elev8 group-wide initiative.
• Careers WalesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCareers Wales acts as a referral partner directing potential apprentices to ISA Training's apprenticeship programmes, supporting learner recruitment across Wales.
• ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management)coreOthersILM (City & Guilds Group) is the awarding body for ISA Training's leadership and management apprenticeships (Levels 2–5). ILM qualification content includes materials created by Harvard Business School. Learners receive free ILM student membership for Level 2; Level 5 learners receive exclusive IoD membership.
• Institute of Directors (IoD)minorOthersLevel 5 ILM learners at Educ8 Training receive exclusive IoD membership as part of their qualification package, providing access to professional development resources.
• Colleges and Further Education Institutions (Wales)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorISA Training works in partnership with Welsh colleges as co-providers of vocational training, complementing college-based learning with workplace apprenticeships.
• CBI (Confederation of British Industry)minorOthersEduc8 Training is a member of the CBI, providing business connectivity in Wales and policy engagement alongside the Institute of Directors (IoD) and Welsh Government.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management): Part of the City & Guilds Group and awarding body for all ISA leadership & management apprenticeships at Levels 2-5. Like City & Guilds, ILM is not a competitor but a content/certification partner underpinning ISA's management provision and learner credentials.
• City & Guilds: Awarding body that accredits the majority of ISA's qualifications, including hairdressing, beauty therapy, advice & guidance, and ILM management programmes. Not a competitor but a strategic ecosystem partner — switching costs for ISA to migrate to other awarding bodies are material.

Direct peers

• Lifetime Training: One of the largest independent apprenticeship training providers in England, operating a similar fully-funded apprenticeship delivery model across multiple sectors including health, dental, childcare, and business services. Directly comparable as a prime/lead apprenticeship contractor in the same sector but operating in different geographies (England, not Wales).
• Remit Group: UK-based apprenticeship training provider delivering funded apprenticeship programmes across multiple vocational sectors through a multi-employer channel model. Operates as a prime contractor similar to ISA/Educ8 and competes for the same Government apprenticeship funding streams outside Wales.
• Learning Curve Group: UK vocational training and apprenticeship provider operating across multiple sectors including health, education, business, and digital. Comparable to ISA as a multi-sector apprenticeship prime delivering publicly-funded qualifications at Levels 2-5 with similar learner/employer acquisition channels.
• HIT Training: A specialist apprenticeship training provider in the UK delivering programmes across hospitality, retail, customer service, and other vocational sectors using government-funded models. Closely comparable as a sector-diversified apprenticeship prime with similar customer segments and revenue model.

Broad incumbents

• Babcock International (Training & Skills): A large UK defence and nuclear support company with a substantial workforce training division delivering apprenticeships and skills programmes. Comparable to ISA as a major UK apprenticeship prime but operating at much greater scale and across broader defence and infrastructure sectors.
• BPP University / BPP Professional Education: Large UK professional training provider across accountancy, law, healthcare, and management apprenticeships. Comparable to ISA on the higher-level (Level 5-7) ILM leadership/management and project management apprenticeship programmes, and as a broad-incumbent apprenticeship prime competing for similar employer relationships.
• Pearson UK: Global education and assessment company with significant UK vocational and apprenticeship programmes. Comparable as a major training and assessment player, though Pearson additionally operates as an awarding body that issues credentials to ISA-trained learners.
• Kaplan UK: International professional training and apprenticeship provider with UK operations delivering accountancy, financial services, and project management apprenticeships. Comparable to ISA as an apprenticeship prime, especially on the Leadership/Management and Business Administration programmes where ISA also delivers ILM-accredited content.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/isa_training
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/isa-training

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 ISA Training