Envisage Training: Developing and Delivering Digital Courses

Client Overview

Envisage Training is a specialist training provider delivering qualifications for the exercise and fitness industry since 2003. Based at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, the organisation offers a range of professional courses including Gym and Personal Training, Sports Massage Therapy, Pilates, Nutrition, and Long-Term Health Conditions qualifications. Their focus is on providing high-quality training that equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

The Challenge

As a predominantly face-to-face training provider, Envisage Training recognised the need to develop its own digital learning resources to enhance the learner experience and support future growth of their business offering, both in and outside the classroom.

They wanted to create a comprehensive library of exercise demonstrations and lecture content that could be used to support learning.

However, relying on external contractors to film content limited their flexibility, increased lead times, and made it more difficult to develop new blended learning opportunities. 

The SYIP Project

Envisage Training applied for the SYIP Deploy Grant, which provides organisations with up to £2,000 towards the cost of implementing an innovation solution which will enable them to develop new ideas, improve processes, access new markets, or launch new products and services.

The grant funded the purchase of vital filming equipment, lighting, and microphones; and has transformed how the business approaches course development, enabling them to build their own digital content production capability, creating high-quality learning materials for multiple qualifications and supporting the development of future blended learning models.

David Ireson, Owner at Envisage Training explained ‘It’s changed the way we look at developing a course now that we don’t have to bring in outside assistance with filming. We can set all our own timelines for projects and not be reliant on others, it’s definitely helped with productivity and getting things done quickly when required.’

Impact and Results

One of the first outcomes of the project was the launch of a new Reformer Pilates course, designed with the blended delivery model in mind and allowing learners to support their practice and reinforce learning outside of classroom sessions. 

The investment is also creating opportunities for future expansion. As the digital content library grows, Envisage plans to explore new delivery models that will allow the organisation to access new markets by reaching learners in other regions while reducing the need for extended face-to-face delivery. 

Beyond learning delivery, the project has improved the organisation’s marketing capabilities. The business is now generating a larger volume of high-quality content for advertising and social media, leading to further investment in external consultancy support to maximise its digital marketing activity.

On their experience of working with SYIP, David said, ‘We found the process of working with SYIP pretty straightforward and felt well supported. Receiving this business support enabled greater control over course development and delivery.’

To find out more about SYIP and how we could help your organisation innovate, please contact innovation@shu.ac.uk.

The South Yorkshire Innovation Programme is being delivered by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with The University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and is part-funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.