North East-based training provider NC Group has secured formal approval from Pearson, the UK’s leading awarding body, to deliver higher education qualifications, making it one of a select group of fully independent training providers (ITPs) in the UK with this status.
Following a rigorous inspection by Pearson and the Joint Council for Qualifications, NC Group was granted permission to deliver Level 4 Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) in Engineering, expanding its progression pathways for learners and employer partners.
“We’re proud to be approved to deliver higher education qualifications. It reflects the quality of our provision and our deep understanding of engineering and manufacturing businesses,” said Liam Noble, Managing Director at NC Group.
“Learners are no longer limited to traditional college day release, which often conflicts with shift work. Our flexible delivery model is designed to fit seamlessly around workplace schedules and is led by trainers with extensive industry experience in engineering and manufacturing – such as Brian Corker, Lead Practitioner at NC Group and recent Lifetime Achievement Award winner.”
Liam continued:
“This also coincides with our recent Ofsted Outstanding rating, where we were graded Outstanding across all five key judgement areas and recognised for making a real impact in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. It’s been an outstanding first half of the year for our team, partners, and learners.”
This new offering enables NC Group’s existing and new customers to upskill staff to a Level 4 qualification with a trusted training provider known for achieving exceptional results.
Equivalent to the first year of a university degree, the HNC course is completed part-time over two years as part of the Level 4 Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, or as an independent commercial course.
The qualification includes core mandatory units, followed by specialist pathways in areas such as Fabrication and Welding, or Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Small cohorts of 6–7 learners allow for a more tailored, collaborative, and engaging experience compared to traditional college classroom sizes.
For the apprenticeship route, businesses paying into the Apprenticeship Levy can have the HNC fully funded via their levy pot, whilst smaller employers benefit from 95% government funding, or 100% for learners aged 16–18. NC Group offers payment options for those wishing to study the HNC via a standalone commercial route.
With approval granted in March 2025, NC Group began delivery ahead of the usual September intake and is already working with a group of learners from Gestamp Tallent Limited. A new September cohort is now open, with learners expected from across the region.
NC Group learners also benefit from access to its newly launched Training Platform, offering industry certifications in key compliance and safety areas, including IOSH, Asbestos Awareness, Driver Safety, Health & Safety Inductions, and Safeguarding. These short courses help businesses close skills gaps and meet key compliance standards.
To find out more about NC Group’s training courses or to enrol in the September HNC intake, call 01388 737121, email training@ncgroupltd.co.uk, or visit ncgroupltd.co.uk.