What Crosby Training does

Crosby Training is a privately held vocational training provider founded in 1993 and headquartered in Bootle within the Liverpool City Region, United Kingdom. It delivers free, government-funded vocational courses, accredited qualifications, and wraparound employability and wellbeing support to unemployed and underemployed adults — including job seekers referred by Jobcentre Plus and DWP, individuals facing barriers to work (disability, long-term unemployment, caring responsibilities), and learners seeking sector-specific certifications such as CSCS cards, FLT licences, food safety awards, and digital skills credentials. The portfolio spans approximately 14 sector-based courses (NHS pathways, construction, horticulture, security, civil service, teaching assistance, warehousing, barista, social care, digital skills, personal assistance, and aviation) plus around 16 accredited qualifications, delivered across multiple physical sites including the Bootle HQ, Sefton Next Steps Centre, Central Liverpool Job Shop, and a partnership with Rice Lane City Farm.

Revenue is sourced almost entirely from public-sector skills and employment funding. The core funding stream is the Adult Education Budget (AEB) administered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, with additional income from Department for Work & Pensions / Education and Skills Funding Agency via Sector Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Because training is provided free of charge to learners, there is no B2C tuition revenue; named employer partners such as Torus, B&Q, Home Bargains, and Crosby Coffee Roasters contribute work-experience placements and co-developed curriculum content rather than fee income. The go-to-market is community- and referral-led, relying on partnerships with Jobcentre Plus, DWP, the National Careers Service, Career Connect, Sefton@Work, Daisy Inclusive UK, and Change Grow Live for learner acquisition, with direct face-to-face engagement at the Job Shop and Next Steps Centre. Crosby Training holds extensive accreditations (Highfield, NCFE, City & Guilds, Matrix Standard, Department for Education, Disability Confident, Cyber Essentials, Mindful Employer, Carbon Neutral Britain).

The underlying technology stack is non-proprietary: no platform, AI, or API capabilities are disclosed, and blended/remote learning is delivered through approved third-party online platforms supported by free laptop and internet dongle loans to learners. The differentiator versus comparable AEB-funded providers is the holistic learner support model — including an on-site beauty salon offering free treatments to build interview confidence, farm-based therapy, free laptop loans, and personal development coaching — combined with 30+ years of embedded community presence in the Liverpool City Region.

Name

Crosby Training

Legal name

Crosby Training

Website

https://crosbytraining.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Crosby Training is a Liverpool City Region-based, publicly funded vocational training provider delivering free courses, accredited qualifications, and wraparound wellbeing support to unemployed and underemployed adults, primarily via Adult Education Budget and DWP contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training & Adult Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Education & Training Providers (EDABALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bar & Beverage (Bartending/Mixology/Coffee/Tea) (EDAOAKAH), Construction, Engineering & Skilled Trades Licensure Prep (EDAAANAL)

Keywords

• Vocational training services
• Adult education programmes
• Employability skills training
• Government funded training
• Sector based work academies

Headquarters

HQ city

Liverpool

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Publicly Funded Training (Adult Education Budget): Crosby Training delivers vocational qualifications and training programmes funded primarily through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) allocated by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). Training is provided free to learners, supported by government funding from DWP, ESFA, and related employment initiatives.
2. Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs): Government-funded employment programmes in partnership with DWP and Jobcentre Plus that provide pre-employment training to job seekers, with funding tied to learner outcomes and job placement metrics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Crosby Training is a vocational training provider that delivers free, publicly-funded courses, accredited qualifications, and employability support services to adult learners in the Liverpool City Region. Its portfolio spans healthcare, construction, hospitality, education, security, digital, warehousing, and personal development, delivered through its own training centres, partner sites, and blended/remote learning. The organisation also runs sector-specific courses in partnership with employers (e.g., Barista Skills with Crosby Coffee Roasters, construction courses with Torus) and operates complementary support resources including a Job Shop, a Next Steps Centre, and The Salon.

Product overview

Crosby Training is a vocational education and training provider operating primarily in the Liverpool City Region, offering a diverse portfolio of training courses, qualifications, and support resources. The core offering consists of approximately 14 vocational training courses spanning sectors including healthcare (NHS pathways, Health & Social Care), construction (CSCS cards, Landscapes & Pathways, Health & Safety in Construction), hospitality (Barista training), education (Teaching Assistant, Support Work in Schools), public services (Civil Service, Security, Spectator Safety), and digital skills (Essential Digital Skills, IT Level 3 ICDL). These courses are supplemented by accredited qualifications including Health & Safety Awards, Food Safety, Warehousing & Storage, Business Admin, Customer Service, Mental Health Awareness, and Safeguarding credentials. Support resources include the Job Shop in Central Liverpool, the Next Steps Centre in Sefton providing laptop loans and digital skills support, and The Salon offering free beauty treatments to boost learner confidence. The organisation also provides wellbeing services through partnerships with Rice Lane City Farm and delivers Sector Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) in partnership with government agencies. All provision is delivered through approved accreditation bodies including Highfield, NCFE, City & Guilds, and the Department for Education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Salon: A dedicated beauty boutique located next to Head Office at St Hughs House, offering free beauty treatments to learners including haircuts, barbering, blow-drys, head colours, gel nails, manicures, makeup, eyebrows and facial waxing.
• Next Steps Centre
• Job Shop

Products and services

• Finding Work in the NHS Vocational training course preparing learners for employment opportunities within the National Health Service, covering healthcare sector roles and pathways.
• Licence4Work: FLT Training Forklift truck (FLT) operator training leading to recognised licensing for warehouse and logistics employment.
• Fast Track CSCS Card Accelerated training programme for obtaining the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card required for construction site work.
• Become a Teaching Assistant Training programme preparing learners for roles as teaching assistants and classroom support staff in educational settings.
• A Civil Service Career Career preparation course for employment opportunities within UK civil service government departments.
• A Career in Security Training programme for security industry roles including surveillance, access control, and public safety positions.
• Health & Social Care Vocational qualification pathway for careers in health and social care support services.
• Train as a Barista Hospitality skills training in coffee preparation, customer service, and café operations, delivered in partnership with Crosby Coffee Roasters.
• Sector Based Work Academies (SWAPs) Government-supported training programmes combining sector-specific skills with work experience and job placement support.
• Landscapes & Pathways Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture covering landscaping, gardening, pathway construction, and grounds maintenance skills.
• Digital Skills Awards Essential digital skills training from Entry Level to Level 3 covering IT fundamentals, online safety, CV development, and computer literacy for employment.
• Health & Safety Awards Level 1 and Level 2 awards in health and safety awareness covering risk assessment, workplace hazards, and safety procedures.
• Support Work in Schools Level 2 Qualification providing knowledge to work in school support roles including classroom assistant, administrative work, and site support.
• Food Safety Award Level 1 Award in Food Safety covering hygiene fundamentals, contamination risks, personal cleanliness, and safe food handling practices.
• Warehousing & Storage Certificate Certificate covering practical skills for warehouse operations including stock control, safe goods handling, and storage systems.
• Digital Skills IT Level 3 (ICDL) ICDL Level 3 Award in IT User Skills covering cyber security, spreadsheets, presentations, word processing, databases, and online productivity tools.
• Business Admin Level 2 Qualification covering office administration skills, communication, organisation, and business operations.
• Customer Service Awards Awards developing customer-facing skills for roles in service industries including hospitality, retail, and leisure sectors.
• Employability Awards Awards building core workplace skills including job searching, interview techniques, and professional conduct.
• First Aid Awards Emergency first aid qualifications for workplace and community settings.
• Mental Health Awareness Qualification developing understanding of mental health conditions, support strategies, and wellbeing practices.
• Job Shop Central Liverpool-based employment support service providing job searching, CV assistance, and career guidance resources.
• Next Steps Centre Sefton-based resource centre providing laptops, digital skills support, and career development assistance for learners.
• The Salon On-site beauty boutique offering free professional hair, beauty, and grooming treatments to learners to boost confidence for interviews and employment.

Quantifiable outcome

• IAG targets: 100% improved learner employability, 90% learner retention, 95% pass rate, 90% success/progression rate
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Liverpool City Region Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrings together Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral councils to jointly fund and oversee adult education and skills training across the region through the Adult Education Budget.
• Department for Work & PensionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment department administering working-age benefits and supporting policies that help people back into employment. DWP funding enables Sector Based Work Academies and employment-focused training programmes.
• Jobcentre PluscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment employment service that refers job seekers to Crosby Training programmes as part of back-to-work support. Partnership enables responsive, innovative training courses meeting client ambitions alongside business requirements.
• National Careers ServicecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree, impartial service in England providing information, advice and guidance on learning, training, and work opportunities. Refer learners to Crosby Training for vocational qualifications.
• Career ConnectcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides personalised careers support and training for young people and ex-offenders. Partnership extends reach to vulnerable learner populations seeking employment pathways.
• Riverside CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre of vocational excellence linked to Crosby Training. Partnership ensures learners access the full Riverside experience through collaborative provision.
• Tradewind RecruitmentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading educational recruitment agency partnering to develop courses for people aiming for a career in the classroom, particularly teaching assistance roles.
• Households into WorkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLiverpool City Region Combined Authority initiative supporting long-term unemployed people who have difficulty finding and sustaining employment.
• TorusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial housing provider managing around 40,000 homes across the North West. Close partnership on various construction-based courses providing work experience and employment pathways.
• New DirectionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdult social care services provider across Sefton. Partnership develops courses for learners wanting to work in the social care sector.
• SeetecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest employee-owned companies and public service providers in the UK, aims to change lives and communities for the better through skills and employment programmes.
• ChalkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialist support staff recruiters for education. Partnership develops meaningful course content in the education sector.
• Sefton@WorkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree, confidential service run by Sefton Council helping residents find jobs and training opportunities. Key community referral partner for adult learners.
• Daisy Inclusive UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity helping disabled and vulnerable people and their families reach their true potential. Partnership supports inclusive training delivery.
• South Liverpool HomesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResponsible for over 3,800 homes in South Liverpool. Valuable partner in construction-based courses providing practical training sites.
• Rice Lane City FarmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner24-acre city farm providing horticulture learner experience across fields and woodland. Unique partnership enabling practical environmental and agricultural training.
• Change Grow Live (CGL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free, confidential support for people facing challenges such as addiction, homelessness, domestic abuse and mental health issues. Partnership supports vulnerable learner populations.
• NHSminorOthersNHS Talking Therapies, healthy lifestyle programmes and community-based support available as wellbeing resources for Crosby Training learners.
• Mental Health FoundationminorOthersLeading UK charity focused on prevention and mental wellbeing. Provides practical resources, online tools, self-help guides and awareness campaigns for learner mental health.
• MindminorOthersMental health charity providing clear, practical information, local support services, peer groups and helplines to help learners cope with stress and build resilience.
• The SamaritansminorOthersOffers compassionate, confidential emotional support available 24/7 by phone, email or online for learners struggling with stress or low mood.
• GamCareminorOthersProvides free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harms through 24/7 helpline, live chat, self-help tools and structured treatment sessions.
• Living Well SeftonminorOthersFree, holistic wellbeing service for Sefton residents. Living Well Mentors work one-to-one to support lifestyle changes in mental health, stress management, healthy eating, physical activity, debt and benefits.
• Frank (Talk to Frank)minorOthersGovernment-backed service offering confidential, reliable support and information about drugs through website, helpline, email and live chat.
• Money HelperminorOthersFree, impartial guidance on budgeting, dealing with debt, understanding benefits and managing everyday money worries with easy-to-use tools and calculators.
• Crosby Coffee RoastersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal independent coffee company with over ten years of passion for improving coffee quality. Together with Crosby Training developed the innovative Barista Skills course combining hospitality training with specialist coffee expertise.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• New Directions: Adult social care services provider in Sefton co-developing social-care courses with Crosby Training. Comparable regional social-care training provision, though primarily a care operator.
• Riverside College: Vocational college in Halton/ Widnes delivering technical training and apprenticeships in the same North West footprint. A named Crosby Training partner offering comparable qualifications.

Direct peers

• Babington Group: Vocational training and apprenticeships provider offering accredited qualifications across business, care, digital and professional sectors. Comparable in its AEB-funded, multi-sector delivery and awarding body partnerships (NCFE/City & Guilds).
• LearnDirect: UK-wide vocational training provider offering AEB-funded courses across multiple sectors with blended online and in-person delivery. Closely comparable business model and target learner population to Crosby Training.
• Seetec: One of the largest UK employee-owned public service providers delivering skills, training and employment programmes funded through DWP/ESFA. Directly comparable to Crosby Training's AEB-funded vocational model and a named partner in the data.
• Lifetime Training: National apprenticeship and vocational training provider with multi-sector coverage funded through ESFA/DWP channels. Comparable in funded vocational delivery and employer-led pathway design.
• Reed in Partnership: UK employment and skills provider delivering DWP-commissioned programmes and vocational training to job seekers. Overlaps directly with Crosby Training's SWAPs and employability offer, backed by the Reed employer network.
• Total People: North West-based training provider delivering apprenticeships and vocational courses with AEB funding. Direct regional competitor in Crosby Training's core geography with a similar sector mix.
• PeoplePlus: UK employment and skills provider delivering DWP programmes including SWAPs, Restart and AEB-funded training. Operates the same publicly funded vocational model as Crosby Training, though at national scale.
• TCHC Group: UK vocational training and apprenticeship provider offering funded qualifications across business, care and digital sectors. Comparable AEB-funded model and DWP-aligned learner segments.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/crosbyevents
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/crosby-training

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Crosby Training