The JTL Group, a provider of electrical and plumbing apprenticeships in England and Wales, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to divest its subsidiary, Develop Training, to RelyOn, a global provider of safety and competence for the renewable, oil and gas, and maritime sectors.
JTL will now sharpen its focus on expanding its apprenticeship services to meet growing industry demand, with an increased focus on direct delivery from its network of dedicated training centres. JTL is an Independent Training Provider (ITP) and not-for-profit organisation, partnered with over 4,000 employers and supporting 8,000 apprentices in the electrotechnical and building services engineering sectors.
Develop Training was acquired by JTL in 2019, and is a provider of compliance, technical, and safety training. Develop specialises in delivering practical, short-course training programmes in high voltage and low voltage electrical systems, mechanical systems, and electrical installations. Its focus on compliance and safety training aligns with RelyOn’s mission to support clients in safeguarding their people, assets and the environment.
RelyOn operates in over 20 countries, and will now enhance its training-offering, positioning itself to better support the evolving needs of the UK’s electrical and utility infrastructure sectors.
Chris Claydon, CEO of JTL, says, “This sale enables JTL to focus on its core business of electrical and plumbing apprenticeship services, meeting the increasing demand across the UK. We are confident that RelyOn is the right home for Develop, where it will continue to flourish supporting technical and safety training that is essential to our industry.”
Colin Leyden, Managing Director of RelyOn UK, remarks, “This acquisition represents a significant expansion of RelyOn’s expertise in HV and LV electrical training and bolsters our facility network across the UK, which now includes Liverpool, York, Derby, Swindon, Brentwood, Aberdeen, and Teesside, and co-locations such as our new High and Low Voltage Hub at Cleveland Redcar College. We are thrilled to welcome the Develop team to RelyOn and look forward to working closely with JTL to serve its members alongside our own clients.”
Matt Gray, Acting Managing Director of Develop Training, adds, “This is an excellent opportunity for Develop. It will enable us to expand delivery across the UK and benefit from the expertise and experience that RelyOn has in the industry. We would like to thank JTL for all its support and I look forward to continuing our close relationship as we join RelyOn.”
Andrew Eldred, COO of the Electrical Contractors Association, concludes, “This acquisition offers Develop an opportunity to accelerate its growth with a strong, established training partner committed to investing in the future. With RelyOn’s backing, Develop will be well-positioned to expand its services and capabilities as industry demands evolve.”
The acquisition is expected to close in 2024. Following the transaction, RelyOn will integrate Develop Training’s programmes into its wider portfolio and expand its commitment to delivering training that meets the changing needs of critical infrastructure sectors in the UK.
The JTL Group was advised and supported by Beaumonde Consultants on the divestment of Develop Training.
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