A RECRUITMENT drive has been launched by a pioneering West Yorkshire online training provider after it reached the milestone of two million learners.

Ilkley-based Virtual College is looking to boost its 140-strong workforce as it gears up for further growth as the number of registered learners increases at a rate of 1,500 a day.

The business, launched in 1995 by chief executive Rod Knox and chairman Bob Gomersall, provides online learning content and training delivery to almost every sector in the UK – from healthcare, to manufacturing, education and catering.

It was recently named e-learning development company of the year, winning gold and three other awards at the international E-Learning Awards for its pioneering work in the sector.

Rod Knox said: “We are now in our twentieth year and have seen growth in the use of our online learning solutions explode over the last few years.We have ambitious plans to reach twenty million learners by 2020 so we need to recruit additional, talented and enthusiastic staff to service this growth.

“If you haven’t taken one of our online courses yet, the chances are a member of your family has.”

Virtual College is looking to recruit for a number of roles, including product design and development, customer account management, business development, customer service and administration .

Fiona Robinson, HR manager, said: ” These positions offer a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a rapidly changing sector working on exciting, cutting edge projects for organisations from the NHS and Home Office to courses for schools and caterers."

The company has developed more than 300 online courses, accessed through its own learning management system and also offers a content design and development service for users.

The company's progress and achievements were recently recognised with a civic reception at City Hall attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds .

Rod Knox, a University of Bradford graduate, said: ”We work in a rapidly changing sector and over the last 20 years we have worked hard to introduce online learning into the mainstream.

“I’m truly grateful to the support and foresight that Bradford Council and other key players in the district did to help us get Virtual College off the ground. It’s great to see our success being recognised, and perhaps more importantly, we’re all creating high value jobs and helping to enhance the local economy.”

Virtual College was among businesses to receive grants to boost investment and employment from the Leeds City Region LEP's Business Growth Programme. which helped create more than 180 jobs in Ilkley and Keighley.