Pitman Training Group, Limited, is a private limited company based in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. The company provides training and educational services, offering both online and paper-based tests for various educational qualifications. Established in 1837, Pitman Training has its roots in the invention of shorthand by Sir Isaac Pitman.[1][2]
History
Isaac Pitman, founder of Pitman Training and inventor of shorthand The reporting style of short hand. A complete stenographic text-book.
In 1837, Pitman Training’s founder, Sir Isaac Pitman, invented shorthand writing and published his system in a pamphlet titled StenographicSound-Hand.[2]
Less than a decade later, in 1843, Pitman established the Phonetic Institute in Bath, which served as both a publishing house and a marketing centre.[3] His shorthand system gained prominence when he accurately transcribed a speech by Richard Cobden against the Corn Laws.[3] That year, the UK Parliament adopted Pitman's shorthand system for preparing Hansard, the official transcripts of parliamentary records.[4]
Pitman's Metropolitan College was established in 1870, offering a curriculum that included office procedures, accounting, law, shorthand, and typing.[3]
In 1886, Isaac Pitman formed Isaac Pitman and Sons (later Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons) with his sons Alfred and Ernest, which became a significant educational publisher and training business.[5]
During World War I, Pitman expanded its operations to meet the increased demand for typing and bookkeeping skills, opening a centre in Croydon in 1914[6]
In 1955, Pitman Training became the most extensive training network in the United Kingdom.[7]
Much later, in 1992, the company established its franchise operations, opening four new Pitman Training Centres. In that same year, it received its British Franchise Association (BFA) membership.[8]
On 30 November 2018, EdTech company LaunchLife International Inc. (LLI) acquired Pitman Training Group, expanding its education franchise network.[9]
In 2019, Pitman Training introduced courses and programmes to enhance digital skills, responding to evolving workforce needs.[10]
Then, in 2021, Pitman Training announced its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, adopting sustainable practices across its training centres.[11]
In 2023, the company launched a scholarship programme to support underprivileged students, providing financial aid and resources.[12]
Training Offerings
Pitman Training offers over 250 courses and qualifications across various sectors, all marked by external examiners to an ISO 9001 quality standard.[13][14]
Office Skills
Secretarial Training
Bookkeeping
Web design
Marketing
Training is delivered at over 65 UK, Ireland, and international centres.[13]
Partnerships & Accreditations
Pitman Training has partnered with several educational bodies, including:
In 2020, Pitman Training partnered with Amazon's Career Choice program, which aims to upskill Amazon employees interested in advancing their careers.[16]
Awards and Recognition
Pitman Training has received numerous awards and recognitions:
Best Low Budget Campaign of the Year at the Northern Marketing Awards (2014)[17]
In-House Team of the Year (North) at the PR Moment Awards (2015)[18]
Finalist at the HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards (2015)[19]
Recognised in the Executive Education, Training and Development category of the 2017 Super Brands list[20]
Franchise of the Year, Service Provider in the Irish Franchise Awards (2018)[21]
Best Franchise Marketing Support in the Best Franchise Awards (2018-2022)[22]
Best Education Franchise in the Best Franchise Awards (2019)[22]
Franchisor of the Year and Best Franchisee Training & Support in the Best Franchise Awards (2020)[22]
Best Online Training Platform from the Corporate Livewire Innovation & Excellence Awards (2018)[23]
Best E-Learning Platform from the Corporate Livewire Innovation & Excellence Awards (2019)[23]
Best Vocational Training Provider from the Corporate Livewire Innovation & Excellence Awards (2020)[23]
Excellence in Online Learning at the Global Education Awards (2023)[24]
Recognised as a Superbrand in the UK by Superbrands UK in Education, Training, and Development (2018-2022)[25]
The company also runs its annual Super Achievers Awards for its students, including categories such as PA of the Year, Working Mum/Dad of the Year, and Entrepreneur of the Year.[26]
