We’ve had an amazing 25 years striving to offer the best possible experience for our learners and employers” said GHQ’s founder and Managing Director Jean Rogers. We’ve helped thousands of Apprentices of all ages to achieve their personal goals, many of whom are now running their own successful businesses and sending their staff to GHQ, so we’ve certainly got something to celebrate.

One Apprentice from the earlier years is Deanne Truscott. She now owns No 4 Hair Boutique in Plymouth city centre and says. “It all started with GHQ Training as an apprentice where I learned so much that has enabled me to have such a successful career. I stayed with GHQ whilst I was a salon manager, then moved to London to get more experience before returning to Plymouth to start my own business. Now I wouldn’t send my apprentices anywhere else as I know they will enjoy the best training and support possible.”

“From the outset our exceptional staff and strong management team swiftly gained City and Guilds Approval for Hairdressing, Administration, Management and Childcare, which are still as important today as then.”

GHQ has since added many other courses with Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Nail Technician courses, Teaching Assistant Qualifications, Assessor and Teaching Awards being very much in demand.

More recently we have enabled our students to progress their careers even further with higher level qualifications such as the Level 4 in Early Years Education and Higher Level Apprenticeships in Management and Leadership, giving them the opportunity to progress on to degree and professional qualifications.

“Currently we take pride in being able to assist companies with a suite of short courses such as Team Leader and Customer Service through European Social Funding.”

GHQ’s popularity with employers grew out of a clear understanding of their needs for their staff as Jean not only ran GHQ Training but two other successful companies. GHQ Hair and Beauty and Glenbeigh Model Agency, along with GHQ Training, formed The Glenbeigh Group of companies employing over 85 staff and associates. “Having started the businesses from being a one woman band, the majority of our staff initially were apprentices who developed to become trainers, leaders and highly qualified professionals“, said Jean.

Here’s what Joy, one of our Employers, has to say: “GHQ Training provide great support with our students and it’s always brilliant & professional!”

And Martin Luck, Director of Imagine Office Supplies, agrees: “GHQ has provided a very professional service. The candidates have proven to be exceptional and the trainers first class. I would have no hesitation in recommending them”

Whilst the uncertainty of Government funding changes have sadly resulted in the closure of many private training providers, GHQ has continued to grow throughout Devon and Cornwall whilst staying true to its core values.

James Hughes, GHQ’s Training Manager said, “Funding rules have always been complex. With radical Government Reforms on the horizon our strong management team is ready and able to cope with the challenges they bring.”

Employers trust GHQ to guide them through the process, always ensuring that their needs and the needs of their staff take priority. GHQ’s employer engagement team is currently working with hundreds of employers both large and small explaining the financial impact of forthcoming changes and how training will be funded.

Based in Plymouth City Centre, GHQ has invested in new technology with 2 new ITC suites, a new website and recently refurbished City Centre facilities ensuring that high standards for learning are maintained.

Ofsted found that GHQ develops “highly effective partnerships which ensure that programmes meet the needs of learners, employers and the local community well,” and that “support for learners is highly effective and sets high expectations …… so that they develop skills and knowledge very well”.

GHQ Training is justly proud of its achievements over the past 25 years and will be unveiling plans for celebrations and looking back over the archives over the coming months. Any old photos or stories from the past would be welcome!