The Vocational Charitable Trust (VTCT), a UK-based organisation that offers vocational qualifications, has acquired London-based ITEC, which awards qualifications in beauty, complementary therapy, sport and fitness and hairdressing sectors.

“We were keen to acquire ITEC not only because it’s highly respected in our sector, but crucially it also shares our values and ambitions, placing strong emphasis on quality assurance, learner success, employer recognition and exceptional customer service,” said Alan Woods, CEO of VTCT. “This acquisition aligns with our growth strategy to continue the development of our portfolio in beauty and spa, complementary therapy, hair dressing, sports and fitness and customer service qualifications.”

Woods said there will be no interruption to service at both ITEC and VTCT approved centres.

Jane Foulston, CEO of ITEC, said: “ITEC and VTCT are both industry specialists with beauty therapy and hairdressing at their core, so there is already a natural synergy between the two organisations. With the strong international base that ITEC has developed and the dominance of VTCT in the UK, putting the two organisations together equates to the largest specialised awarding organisation in the hair and beauty sectors.”

VTCT also acquired software company Digital Assess in July of this year, in what it said was “reflective of the growing importance of offering flexible, online-based assessments.” Digital Assess provides a Software-as-a-SErvice suite of product that enable training providers to capture and assess learner skills.