NC Group
NC Group is an Ofsted Outstanding UK independent training provider delivering engineering, manufacturing, and leadership apprenticeships plus bespoke workforce development programmes to employers across England, via regional academies and its Praxis42-powered E-Academy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersDurham, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What NC Group does
NC Group is a UK-based independent training provider founded in 2017 and headquartered at Aycliffe Business Park in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, with regional training academies across Middlesbrough, Nottingham, Lincolnshire, Coventry, Birmingham, and Luton. The company specialises exclusively in engineering, manufacturing, and leadership training, delivering apprenticeships (Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Dual Discipline, Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor, HNC-level engineering, and Level 5 Operations Manager), bespoke workforce development programmes (e.g., Leadership Skills Bootcamps, Lockout/Tagout, Train the Trainer), and the NC Group E-Academy online platform powered by Praxis42 for health, safety, business, well-being, and cyber-safety e-learning.
The company serves UK employers in engineering and manufacturing — automotive, aerospace, chemicals, packaging, and general industrial sectors — including named enterprise customers 3M, Gestamp, INEOS Compounds, Katmex, Compleat Food Group, and Harrison Packaging. NC Group is Ofsted Outstanding across all five inspection areas (achieved in 2025 at first full inspection) and is Pearson-approved to deliver HNC/HND qualifications, placing it among a select group of fully independent UK training providers with higher-education status. Founded by joint CEOs Ian Nelson and Lee Childs alongside Managing Director Liam Noble, the company operates with approximately 30 staff.
Revenue is generated primarily through Apprenticeship Levy and Digital Account funding for apprenticeship programmes, commercial bespoke training contracts with employers, and online course subscriptions via the E-Academy. Apprenticeship pricing is publicly disclosed at £13,500 (fully or co-funded) for the Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician programme, with multi-year contract structures typical of apprenticeship delivery.
NC Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NC Group
- Legal name
- NC Group Ltd
- Website
- https://ncgroupltd.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NC Group is an Ofsted Outstanding UK independent training provider delivering engineering, manufacturing, and leadership apprenticeships plus bespoke workforce development programmes to employers across England, via regional academies and its Praxis42-powered E-Academy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NC Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vocational Training & Apprenticeship Services
- NAICS
- Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Corporate Learning & Training Content Development (EDAGAKAC)
Keywords
Where NC Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Durham
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
NC Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Apprenticeship Training: Government-funded apprenticeship programs primarily financed through the Apprenticeship Levy and Digital Account System. Funding covers the cost of training for levy-paying employers, with potential 5% employer contribution required depending on levy funds and business size.
- Commercial Workforce Development Training: Bespoke training programs delivered to employers including leadership bootcamps, technical skills training, and compliance courses. Funded through commercial arrangements with businesses.
- E-Academy Online Courses: Accredited online learning subscriptions or per-course purchases for businesses training employees on health, safety, and business essential topics.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician - Dual Discipline Apprenticeship |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
NC Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NC Group delivers Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeships and bespoke workforce development training programmes focused on engineering, manufacturing, and leadership for UK employers. Core offerings include Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeship standards, HNC/HND higher education qualifications, and bespoke on-site training such as Leadership Skills Bootcamps and technical skills programmes. The company also operates the NC Group E-Academy, an accredited online learning platform powered by Praxis42 for health, safety, business, well-being, and cyber safety training.
Product overview
NC Group offers a portfolio of training and apprenticeship programmes focused on engineering, manufacturing, and leadership development. The core offerings include Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeships (Dual Discipline combining mechanical and electrical), Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeships, HNC-Level Engineering Apprenticeships, and Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeships. These are complemented by the NC Group E-Academy, an accredited e-learning platform powered by Praxis42 for health, safety, business, well-being, and cyber safety training. The company also delivers bespoke Workforce Development Training programmes including Leadership Skills Bootcamps, Recruitment & Induction Training, and technical skills programmes such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Train the Trainer (TTT). All programmes are designed for flexibility with on-site delivery at employer premises or at the training academy on Aycliffe Business Park.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NC Group E-Academy: Flexible, accredited e-learning platform powered by Praxis42 Limited offering industry-recognised online courses and certifications for health, safety, business, well-being, and cyber safety needs.
Products and services
- Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship (Dual Discipline) A 42-48 month apprenticeship equipping learners with advanced skills in both mechanical and electrical engineering maintenance, preparing them for careers in modern industrial environments. Delivered on-site at employer premises or at the training academy on Aycliffe Business Park and aimed at engineering and manufacturing employers.
- Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship Develops employees aspiring to first-line leadership or supervisory roles, supporting those already in leadership positions progressing toward management. Builds confident, capable leaders aligned with long-term business objectives for engineering and manufacturing employers.
- HNC-Level Engineering Apprenticeships HNC-level apprenticeships supporting employees progressing toward Level 5 management positions, delivering Pearson-approved higher education qualifications in engineering for engineering and manufacturing employers.
- Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship Helps aspiring and existing managers develop strategic leadership, people management and operational improvement skills, particularly valuable for manufacturing, engineering and industrial organisations.
- Leadership Skills Bootcamp Bespoke leadership training programme combining practical leadership development with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles. Delivered onsite at client locations over 16 weeks with 60 hours of training, tailored to the client's specific operational context.
- Workforce Development Training Training programmes driving productivity, compliance, and continuous improvement including bespoke mechanical and electrical engineering training, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Train the Trainer (TTT) delivery for engineering and manufacturing employers.
- Recruitment & Induction Training Equips new starters with the skills, confidence, and qualifications businesses need through comprehensive induction and foundational training programmes for engineering and manufacturing employers.
- NC Group E-Academy Accredited online learning platform providing industry-recognised courses for health, safety, business, well-being, and cyber safety needs. Powered by Praxis42 Limited, an IOSH-approved training provider. Offers scalable e-learning accessible anytime, anywhere to businesses training employees on essential compliance topics.
Quantifiable outcome
- Apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing improve productivity on average by 18% (EEF, 2023)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use NC Group
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
NC Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
NC Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, notable and minor.
- 3McoreNC Group has worked in partnership with 3M for approximately 7 years, delivering industry-led training and engineering apprenticeship programmes aligned to 3M's manufacturing operations. The partnership has produced back-to-back Apprentice of the Year winners at the Aycliffe Business Park Make Your Mark Awards (2025, 2026). NC Group has supported approximately 200 shop floor employees and developed apprentices who now hold key roles within the 3M maintenance team.
- GestampcoreNC Group has been working with Gestamp on Aycliffe Business Park since 2018, delivering apprenticeship and leadership development programmes tailored to the automotive manufacturing environment. Currently supporting 25 apprentices on Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship with the bespoke Gestamp Developing Leaders Programme (GDLP).
- Harrison PackagingnotableNC Group partnered with Harrison Packaging to deliver a bespoke Leadership Skills Bootcamp. Following a comprehensive training audit, a tailored 16-week programme (60 hours, 13 team members) was developed and delivered onsite. Partnership extends to apprenticeships and technical training including Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician HNC and Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship.
- INEOS CompoundsnotableNC Group delivers apprenticeship programmes including Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship for INEOS Compounds employees. Partnership supports development of technical skills in laboratory testing, analysis, quality control and health and safety.
- Praxis42 LimitedcorePraxis42 Limited powers the NC Group E-Academy online learning platform. Praxis42 is an IOSH-approved training provider (900), providing accredited online courses for health, safety, business, well-being, and cyber safety training.
- PearsoncoreNC Group secured formal approval from Pearson, the UK's leading awarding body, to deliver Level 4 Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) in Engineering. Makes NC Group one of a select group of fully independent training providers in the UK with this status following rigorous inspection.
- Women's Engineering Society (WES)minorNC Group joins the Women's Engineering Society in celebrating International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), supporting initiatives to recognise women engineers and inspire the next generation. Also partners with WISE and EngineeringUK for STEM engagement and careers outreach.
- North East Combined Authority - Shine ProgrammenotableNC Group began its journey with Shine, an employer accreditation programme delivered by the North East Combined Authority. The initiative recognises organisations demonstrating commitment to fairness, opportunity and responsible business practices.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
NC Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Estio Training: UK apprenticeship provider focused on digital and technology apprenticeships. Comparable as an independent apprenticeship delivery company in the UK, though with a different vertical specialisation.
- Skills Training UK: UK-based apprenticeship and skills training provider serving employers with vocational programmes. Comparable as an apprenticeship-focused training company delivering levy-funded programmes to UK employers.
- Remit Training: UK-based independent training provider specialising in apprenticeship programmes across multiple sectors. Comparable as a UK apprenticeship delivery company serving employer clients with levy-funded training.
- Learning Curve Group: UK independent training provider delivering apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and online learning programmes. Comparable in offering multi-channel training (apprenticeships, e-learning) for UK employers and learners.
- Babington Group: UK-based independent training provider delivering apprenticeship programmes and vocational qualifications across multiple sectors. Directly comparable as an apprenticeship-focused training company serving UK employers with levy-funded programmes.
- Lifetime Training Group: One of the largest independent apprenticeship providers in the UK, offering apprenticeship programmes across multiple industries. Comparable as a UK-focused apprenticeship delivery company leveraging the Apprenticeship Levy.
- JTL Training: UK independent training provider specialising in construction and building services engineering apprenticeships. Comparable in delivering technical apprenticeships to UK employers in skilled trades, though focused on construction rather than manufacturing.
- Total People: UK-based apprenticeship and training provider serving employers across the North West and North East of England. Comparable in targeting regional employer customers with apprenticeship and workforce development programmes.
Broad incumbents
- Kaplan UK: Major UK professional training and apprenticeship provider offering programmes across multiple sectors. Comparable as a broader incumbent in UK vocational training, with overlapping apprenticeship delivery capabilities though on a much larger scale.
Others
- Pearson: UK awarding body that has formally approved NC Group to deliver HNC/HND qualifications. Comparable as an ecosystem partner and awarding body rather than direct competitor, given Pearson's role as qualification accreditor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
NC Group social profiles
Digital presenceNC Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NC Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
NC Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NC Group 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 NC Group
What does NC Group do?
NC Group delivers Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeships and bespoke workforce development training programmes focused on engineering, manufacturing, and leadership for UK employers. Core offerings include Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeship standards, HNC/HND higher education qualifications, and bespoke on-site training such as Leadership Skills Bootcamps and technical skills programmes. The company also operates the NC Group E-Academy, an accredited online learning platform powered by Praxis42 for health, safety, business, well-being, and cyber safety training.
Is NC Group a public or private company?
NC Group is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was NC Group founded?
NC Group was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is NC Group based?
NC Group is headquartered in Durham, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does NC Group make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Apprenticeship Training is the primary driver. The others are commercial Workforce Development Training and E-Academy Online Courses.
Who are NC Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Estio Training, Skills Training UK, Remit Training, Learning Curve Group, Babington Group, Lifetime Training Group, JTL Training and Total People. Kaplan UK is listed as a broad incumbent. Pearson is listed as an others.
Does NC Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for NC Group.
What industry is NC Group in?
NC Group's product category is Vocational Training & Apprenticeship Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAGAKAC, Corporate Learning & Training Content Development. Its NAICS code is 611513 and its SIC code is 8200.