Partner with Reading's Skills Academy to Grow Your Team
How We Support Berkshire Businesses
At The Curious Academy, we work closely with employers throughout Reading and the wider Berkshire area to address their digital and data skills needs. Our approach is rooted in understanding the real challenges businesses face and delivering practical solutions that create measurable value.
Our employer partnerships take multiple forms, depending on your specific needs;
Staff Development
Access government co-funded training that transforms existing employees into data and digital specialists, typically paying just 10-30% of the training cost depending on your company size.
Talent Acquisition
Connect with our diverse pool of job-ready graduates who've been trained in the practical skills Berkshire businesses need most.
Custom Training
Work with us to develop tailored programmes that address your organisation's specific skills gaps and business challenges.
Throughout every partnership, our focus remains on practical skills that deliver tangible business outcomes. We understand that training is an investment that needs to show clear returns – whether that's through improved capabilities, enhanced retention, or cost-effective recruitment.
Upskill Your Team for Just 10-30% of the Cost
For SMEs in Berkshire, developing your team's digital and data capabilities has never been more accessible. Through government co-funding initiatives, eligible businesses can access our professional training courses while paying just 10-30% of the standard course fee, depending on your company size.
This represents an extraordinary opportunity to:
Develop from Within
Transform existing staff who already understand your business into digital and data specialists, avoiding the significant costs and uncertainties of external recruitment.
Create New Capabilities
Build internal expertise in high-demand areas like data analysis and digital marketing that directly impact your business performance and competitive position.
Enhance Retention
Demonstrate investment in your employees' professional development, increasing loyalty and reducing costly turnover.
Stay Competitive
Ensure your business keeps pace with digital transformation in your industry through continuous skills development.
The process is straightforward – we'll guide you through the eligibility criteria, help with the necessary paperwork, and design a training schedule that minimises disruption to your operations. Your employees will attend our central Reading location twice weekly, bringing their new skills and insights back to your business throughout the course.
Eligibility Criteria:
SME status (typically under 250 employees)
Operating in England
Staff meeting learner eligibility requirements
Additional criteria apply – we'll guide you through the full eligibility check
Access Diverse, Job-Ready Talent in Reading
Finding qualified candidates with practical data and digital skills is increasingly challenging in today's competitive job market. The Curious Academy offers a unique talent solution: access to diverse, locally-trained professionals who have completed intensive, hands-on training in the skills Berkshire businesses need most.
Our graduates represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, having come to us from various industries and career stages. What unites them is their commitment to developing in-demand skills and their practical, job-ready capabilities.
Why Our Graduates Stand Out:
Practical Skills Focus
Our training emphasises hands-on application, not just theory. Graduates have completed real projects and can contribute from day one.
Local Availability
All our students train in Reading and most live in the Berkshire area, making them accessible for local businesses without relocation complications.
Diverse Perspectives
Our students come from varied backgrounds and bring fresh thinking and different viewpoints that enhance team performance.
Proven Commitment
Completing our intensive 12-week programme demonstrates dedication, work ethic, and ability to master new skills – qualities every employer values.