EAL statement on Options Skills Ltd

EAL is aware that the training provider Options Skills Ltd has recently gone into liquidation and we are urgently assessing the situation. As an awarding organisation, we have spoken to the regulator, Ofqual, and will continue to liaise with them. This is a complex situation, and we will continue to provide further updates on our social media platforms when we are able. 

Whilst we await further information, we are here to support learners who have been impacted. If you are a learner registered with Options Skills Ltd and are currently undertaking an EAL qualification with this centre, we can facilitate support arrangements. Please fill in and submit the contact form, and we will be in touch. 

We understand that this is a stressful and unsettling situation and that learners will be looking to act. As a first step, we encourage those impacted to: 

1. submit the link above if you are undertaking an EAL qualification,
2. make a note of your work/evidence submitted,
3. and do not sign up to new contracts until your position is clear.

You may see media reports saying that Options Skills students have been told their evidence/credits cannot be used to continue their training elsewhere. Please be assured that work is underway to try to retrieve evidence submitted by learners and every effort will be made to ensure work can be credited in line with the requirements of the relevant qualifications. This is a complex process - please do not be panicked into signing up for any new training package and refer to the guidance issued by EAL and TESP which will be kept updated. Any learners registered with EAL are strongly advised to complete the contact form, which will help EAL to identify your records.

We are aware that Options Skills Ltd have appointed Insolvency Practitioners from Bebgies Traynor who will be contacting students and creditors over the next few days as to the position. Please direct enquiries to birmingham@btguk.com. 

We understand that this is a very difficult situation for the learners impacted. Please be assured that EAL, NET and TESP are working together to support you, and we will communicate updates in partnership as and when we have them.

━━━━━━━━━━

Update: 26/03/2024

EAL have been made aware that learners may now have access to the Options Skills Ltd portal.

We advise that if you do have access, that you log into the portal and download any evidence from your portfolio along with your learner record. Please keep anything that you download, as this will be evidence of your progress on the qualifications you are completing.

Rest assured, we are actively driving conversations with the regulator, administrator, and other relevant parties, and are diligently working towards what the appropriate next steps will be.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We remain committed to transparency and will provide updates on our website and social media channels as soon as they become available.

Thank you for your continued trust and patience.