About Vital Skills Training

About Vital Skills Training

 The Vital Services Group was founded in Manchester by John Smith, current CEO, in 1983. Initially a design consultancy and a professional and technical recruitment business the group has evolved to encompass contracting businesses across many industry sectors.

These developments have by no means been random and each addition has been carefully chosen to create synergies and complement the core offering. Rail, Civils, Construction, Power and Technology all work seamlessly together to provide clients with uniquely tailored solutions.

Since its inception Vital Skills Training has steadily grown to become one of the largest suppliers of training services for the rail sector. Vital has also diversified its offerings to include tailored Energy, M&E & Construction specific training and generic Health & Safety, Apprenticeships and Trainer Assessment etc.

For an insight into our comprehensive rail services Learn More

Comapny Achievments

  • LinkupLinkup
  • City & Guilds City & Guilds
  • ISO: 9001 ISO: 9001

Director Profiles

  • Name: Jessica Andrew
  • Joined Vital: 2008 - Present
  • Contract Co-ordinator

Jessica joined Vital Skills Training in 2008 to help support the running of the training department and develop the NVQ and Apprenticeship process. Jessica provides a critical link between the Operations Manager and all funding providers. She provides the efficient contract coordination to meet the needs of Vital Skills Training clients and funding bodies. Jessica oversees daily coordination activities, funding contracts and works with other colleagues helping to support the generation of new business.

  • Name: Lawrence Dobie
  • Joined Vital: 2011
  • Operations Manager

Over the last 10 years Lawrence has held a variety of senior management positions within a number of training organisations. Lawrence has managed programmes of learning across a number of sectors including Automotive Engineering, Biopharmaceuticals & Life Science, Health & Social Care and Leadership & Management. Lawrence has responsibility for the strategic development of Vital Skills Training where he liaises with key stakeholders, Government Agencies, Sector Skills Councils, Industry Bodies and employers to ensure Vital Skills Training offer credible training and development solutions that respond to the needs of industry.

  • Name: Scott Crump
  • Joined Vital: 2000 to Present
  • Trainer

First started with the Bristol Office as a Labour Manager, assisting in the selection and placing of both Electrical & Mechanical Trades. With the introduction of the CSCS Scheme, Scott started to deliver the Working Safely in M&E course, and from this has added to his training portfolio to include IPAF Scissor Lift and Boom, Harness Training and the CCNSG National Safety Passport. As well as the Competent Persons Course for Self Certification via BESCA.

  • Name: Gary Benco
  • Joined Vital: 2011
  • Trainer/Assessor

Gary has recently joined Vital Skills Training as a Trainer & Assessor and currently trains Track Induction, Small Plant, and Safety Critical courses for both internal and external clients. Prior to joining Vital; Gary worked within the rail sector as an operator and assessor on the High Output Track Renewal Train and within Safety Critical and Engineering training since 2003.

  • Name: Bernard Chase
  • Joined Vital: 2002 - Present
  • Training & Assessment Manager

Bernard was appointed Training Manager in 2005 having Joined the group in 2002. He is responsible for ensuring the development of staff throughout the group in support of the business strategy. Bernard’s role is to ensure the current workforce is equipped with the skill, knowledge and aptitude to deliver.

Prior to joining Vital Bernard spent 11 years with Manchester Metrolink.