BIT Training

What BIT Training does

BIT Training is a UK-based IT and cyber security training provider founded in 2004, operating under the legal entity Blue Screen IT Ltd from its Plymouth Science Park headquarters. The company delivers professional certification training (CompTIA, EC-Council, ISACA, BCS, AXELOS), government-funded apprenticeships at Levels 3 and 4, Skills Bootcamps, ELCAS-funded military resettlement programmes (including the MoD & Veterans Cyber Academy), and Managed Learning Services for corporate clients. Training is delivered through a hybrid virtual and classroom model across five UK locations: Plymouth (HQ), Rainham (East London via CEME), Liverpool (Hugh Baird CyberHub), Birmingham (BMet CyberHub), and Silverstone.

Revenue is generated across multiple streams: per-apprentice contracts priced at £11,000-£18,000 funded through the apprenticeship levy or 95%/5% employer co-funding; commercial courses priced £2,754-£4,680 per course; government-funded Skills Bootcamps (fully funded for unemployed, up to 90% for employed); ELCAS military funding (80% coverage); and Managed Learning Services on a managed services basis. Customer segments include MoD service leavers and veterans, UK employers from SMB to enterprise (NHS, The Range, Liverpool FC), and individual career changers, with go-to-market executed through enterprise field sales, inside sales, self-serve web booking, regional training partners, and a community-led CyberHub network.

The company is differentiated by regulatory accreditations (ROATP, NCSC Assured Training, ISACA ATO, Ofsted Reasonable Progress), the 2025 Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, CompTIA EMEA Outstanding Performer status (2023), and a proprietary Embed-Develop-Extend apprenticeship delivery model. The company is privately held, founder/management-owned with no disclosed external funding, and led by CEO Ben Franklin (former Royal Corps of Signals) and BIT Group CEO Mike Dieroff.

Name

BIT Training

Legal name

Blue Screen IT Ltd

Website

https://thinkbittraining.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Short description

BIT Training (founded 2004, UK) delivers IT and cyber security apprenticeships, commercial certifications, Skills Bootcamps, ELCAS-funded military training, and Managed Learning Services across five UK locations, serving MoD veterans, UK employers, and individual learners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

IT and Cyber Security Training

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Computer Training (61142), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Information Technology & Software (EDAAAPAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA), Technical Bootcamps & Accelerated Reskilling (Full-time/Part-time) (BPAEANAE), Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB), IT, Software & Cybersecurity Training (EDAGANAF)

Keywords

• IT training services
• Cyber security education
• Apprenticeship programs
• Professional certifications
• Skills bootcamps

Headquarters

HQ city

Plymouth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Apprenticeship Training: BIT Training generates revenue through government-funded and employer-funded apprenticeship programs. They deliver IT, Cyber Security, and Network Engineering apprenticeships at Levels 3 and 4, funded through the apprenticeship levy or government co-funding (95% funded with 5% employer contribution). Revenue is received per apprentice from employer levy pots or government funding bodies.
2. Commercial Training Courses: Individual and corporate clients pay for commercial training courses including vendor certifications (CompTIA, EC-Council, ISACA, BCS). Course fees range from £2,754 inc VAT for ISACA CISM to £4,680 for comprehensive cyber analyst programs. These are one-time or periodic training engagements.
3. ELCAS Military Training: BIT Training delivers ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service) funded training for current and former military personnel. ELCAS provides 80% funding for eligible service leavers and veterans, with additional employer contributions or personal funding covering remainder.
4. Skills Bootcamps: BIT Training delivers government-funded Skills Bootcamps in partnership with Devon County Council and other regional bodies. These 10-12 week programs are fully funded for unemployed individuals and up to 90% funded for employed persons seeking upskilling.
5. Managed Learning Services: Corporate clients engage BIT Training to manage their entire IT and Cyber Security training needs. BIT handles all training requirements including scheduling, trainer sourcing, and delivery across areas such as IT Service Management, Enterprise Architecture, Project Management, Cyber Security, DevOps, and IT Governance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

BIT Training delivers IT and cyber security training services across apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, vendor certifications, ELCAS-funded military training, and Managed Learning Services. The company operates through virtual and classroom learning environments using professional trainers, serving both individual learners seeking career entry or transition and UK employers reskilling or recruiting talent through funded programmes.

Product overview

BIT Training operates as a training services company offering a comprehensive portfolio of IT and Cyber Security education programs. The core offerings consist of professional certification courses (CompTIA, EC-Council, ISACA, BCS), government-funded apprenticeship programs at Levels 3 and 4, Skills Bootcamps, and specialized ELCAS/Military training for veterans. The company provides both virtual classroom and in-person delivery through multiple UK locations, with Managed Learning Services for organizational training needs. Products range from foundational IT support training through advanced cyber security specializations including penetration testing, digital forensics, and security operations. The portfolio is structured around recognized industry certifications that enable career progression in IT and cyber security fields.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MoD & Veterans Cyber Academy: Training programme for service leavers and veterans transitioning into cyber security careers, in collaboration with CREST, CompTIA, TechVets, and Talent Vantage.
• CyberHub

Products and services

• IT and Cyber Security Training Courses Professional IT and cyber security certification training courses covering CompTIA, EC-Council, ISACA, BCS, and other vendor certifications, from foundation to expert level for individuals and corporations.
• Apprenticeships Government-accredited apprenticeship programmes across Levels 3 and 4 covering IT, Network Engineering, Cyber Security, and Digital Forensics, funded through the apprenticeship levy or government co-funding.
• Skills Bootcamps Government-funded intensive 10-12 week training programmes including IT, Cyber, Project Management, and AI for Business bootcamps, fully funded for unemployed individuals and up to 90% funded for employed learners.
• ELCAS Military Training and MoD & Veterans Cyber Academy ELCAS-funded resettlement and certification training for current and former military personnel, including the MoD & Veterans Cyber Academy programme helping service leavers transition into civilian cyber security careers.
• Managed Learning Services Comprehensive outsourced training management service handling all aspects of organisational IT and cyber security training needs including scheduling, trainer sourcing, and delivery across IT Service Management, Enterprise Architecture, Project Management, Cyber Security, DevOps, and IT Governance.
• EC-Council Level 3 Cyber Security Technician Apprenticeship 21-month Level 3 apprenticeship providing first-line cyber security support skills covering patching, access control, firewall configuration, SIEM tools, and EC-Council/CompTIA certifications. Priced at £11,000 and funded through apprenticeship levy or 95% government co-funding with 5% employer contribution.
• EC-Council Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship 28-month Level 4 apprenticeship (24 months learning + 4 months EPA) with two pathways: Cyber Security Engineers (technology-focused) and Cyber Defender/Responders (SOC/operations-focused). Includes EC-Council C|CSA, C|CSE, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ certifications. Priced at £18,000.
• EC-Council Level 4 Digital Forensics Technician Apprenticeship 27-month Level 4 apprenticeship covering digital forensics investigation, network defence, ethical hacking, and UK criminal justice system protocols, including EC-Council D|FE, N|DE, E|HE, and C|HFI certifications.
• Network Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship 28-month Level 4 apprenticeship covering network design, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting including TCP/IP, routing protocols, network architecture, and security concepts.
• AI Enabled IT & Cloud Support Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) Level 3 apprenticeship covering IT support, system configuration, hardware/software installation, AI-enabled and cloud support skills, and technical customer service delivery.
• NCSC Assured Training - CISSP Course Five-day intensive NCSC Assured Training course covering the eight domains of cyber security, led by Mike Dieroff, preparing candidates for CISSP certification examination. ELCAS approved.
• Cyber Analyst Career Programme Self-paced comprehensive cybersecurity career programme including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+ certifications for individuals pursuing cyber analyst roles. Price: £4,680 inc VAT.
• PenTester Career Programme Self-paced penetration testing career programme covering CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and PenTest+ certifications for aspiring penetration testers.
• AI for Business and Productivity Bootcamp Government-funded Skills Bootcamp focused on AI tools and productivity techniques for business applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• BIT Training delivers over 50 highly trained and market-ready individuals from each IT and Cyber Skills Bootcamp cohort into the South-West jobs market with no associated recruitment fees for employers.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CEME Business CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024Strategic partnership to deliver comprehensive IT and cybersecurity training courses from CEME's innovative campus in Rainham, East London. Combines BIT Training's 20+ years of expertise with CEME's dynamic entrepreneurial community to address the tech skills gap in East London and support regional economic growth.
• ISACA Central UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinued partnership since 2019 delivering ELCAS Funded Courses and Commercial ISACA training courses. Both parties are ISACA Global Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs), delivering high-quality virtual and face-to-face instructor-led training. ISACA Central UK instructors provide hints, tips, and real-world consulting experience to help delegates achieve CISM, CISA, and CRISC exam success.
• CRESTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the MoD and Veterans Cyber Academy Training Programme. CREST provides the CPSA Course covering vulnerability scans, operating system assessment, and basic infrastructure and web application assessment. This initiative supports service leavers and veterans transitioning into cybersecurity careers.
• CompTIAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the MoD and Veterans Cyber Academy Training Programme. CompTIA Security+ 701 is included in the training, covering general security concepts, threat assessment and mitigation, and security architecture. BIT Training is CompTIA EMEA Outstanding Performer Delivery Partner Winner for 2023.
• TechVetscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the MoD and Veterans Cyber Academy Training Programme. TechVets supports the initiative designed to help service leavers and veterans transition into cybersecurity careers by providing focused training and career pathway support.
• Talent VantagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the MoD and Veterans Cyber Academy Training Programme. Talent Vantage contributes to the comprehensive training initiative providing CV writing, job applications, networking, interview techniques, and access to live job opportunities for ex-military personnel.
• Liverpool FCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIT Training delivered the PSM Cyber Stars Programme at Liverpool FC's AXA Training Centre. First cohort graduated at a ceremony at the world-renowned football club's training facility, demonstrating BIT's ability to partner with prestigious organizations for cybersecurity training programs.
• Hugh Baird College CyberHubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCutting-edge Security Operations Centre (SOC) joined the CyberHub Trust network at Hugh Baird College in Liverpool. BIT Training delivers IT and cybersecurity training from this location, supporting the South-West region's tech talent development.
• BMet College CyberHubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCutting-edge Security Operations Centre (SOC) launched at BMet's Matthew Boulton Campus in Birmingham. BIT Training partners with this CyberHub to deliver IT and cybersecurity training, expanding their reach in the West Midlands region.
• Digital Skills PartnershipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBIT Training works with Digital Skills Partnership to bring employers and digital job seekers together through Digital Job Fairs, creating connections between trained candidates and businesses needing tech talent.
• EC-CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIT Training delivers EC-Council apprenticeship programmes including Level 3 Cyber Security Technician and Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist, Digital Forensics Technician, and Cyber Defender/Responder. EC-Council certifications included: Certified SOC Analyst (C|CSA), Certified Cloud Security Engineer (C|CSE), Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), and Computer Hacking Forensic Technician (C|HFI).
• BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIT Training delivers BCS-accredited training including CISMP (Certificate in Information Security Management Principles). BCS awarded BIT Training the opportunity to deliver CISMP training, providing foundation knowledge for information security responsibilities.
• AXELOScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIT Training is proud to be an AXELOS affiliate for ITIL training delivery. ITIL is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited, with BIT Training authorized to deliver ITIL-certified courses.
• CyberHub TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIT Training is an Official Service Provider to CyberHub Trust. CyberHub places Cyber in the heart of UK communities by co-developing the next generation of cyber analysts. BIT Training delivers training through the CyberHub network across multiple UK locations.
• Devon County CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBIT Training is a preferred Skills Bootcamp training partner for Devon County Council, delivering government-funded IT and Cyber Skills Bootcamps to address regional tech skills shortages and support local workforce development.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Learning Tree International: Long-established IT and management training company offering scheduled courses and custom corporate programmes across IT, cyber, and project management. Comparable to BIT Training's catalogue of IT/cyber certifications and managed learning service engagements.
• OffSec (Offensive Security): OffSec delivers offensive cyber security training and the OSCP certification, a globally recognised penetration testing credential. Comparable to BIT Training's PenTester Career Programme and penetration testing/apprenticeship pathways targeting cyber security professionals.
• Firebrand Training: Firebrand is a UK-based accelerated IT and cyber training provider offering immersive bootcamps and vendor certifications (Microsoft, AWS, EC-Council). Closely comparable to BIT Training's accelerated course model and CompTIA/EC-Council delivery, with strong enterprise and individual learner segments.
• Focus on Training: UK specialist IT training provider offering vendor-authorised courses (CompTIA, BCS, ISC2, Microsoft) to corporate and individual customers. Comparable to BIT Training on certification breadth, apprenticeship-adjacent delivery, and managed learning service offerings.
• QA Ltd: QA is the UK's largest IT and digital training provider, offering apprenticeships, vendor certifications (Microsoft, AWS, Cisco), and managed learning services across all UK sectors. Directly comparable to BIT Training on apprenticeship delivery, vendor certification catalogue, and managed learning offering, but at materially greater scale.
• The Knowledge Academy: UK-based training provider offering a broad catalogue of IT, cyber, and professional certification courses across virtual and classroom formats. Comparable to BIT Training on commercial vendor certification courses and managed training delivery, with similar mid-market positioning.
• ITonlinelearning: UK-based IT training provider offering online and hybrid courses in CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and cyber security. Comparable to BIT Training's commercial training catalogue and apprenticeship-aligned IT support training, primarily serving UK individual learners and SMB employers.

Broad incumbents

• SANS Institute: SANS is a globally dominant cyber security training and certification organisation offering instructor-led and online programmes (GIAC certifications). Comparable on cyber certification training and government/military customer segments, but at much larger scale and global reach.

Emerging players

• Cybrary: Cybrary is an online cyber security training platform offering hands-on labs and certification prep (CompTIA, CISSP, etc.). Comparable to BIT Training's commercial cyber certification catalogue and virtual classroom delivery model, though primarily self-paced versus instructor-led.
• Capslock: Capslock is a UK cyber security bootcamp provider offering reskilling programmes into cyber careers. Comparable to BIT Training's Skills Bootcamps and Cyber Skills Bootcamp model targeting career changers into cyber security, but with a more focused bootcamp-only structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/think-bit-training

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 BIT Training