Learndirect, the internet-based training business founded by the state-backed University for Industry, may be privatised as government ministers examine its options.
The government is currently looking into disposing of some state-owned assets such as the Met Office and the Royal Mint. The possible privatisation of Learndirect would be one such measure.
It has been reported that Learndirect's board has asked numerous advisory companies to submit proposals on how the business could be partially privatised.
One option is to sell a minority holding to a strategic investor, such as a private equity firm. An estimation for the training business' value has not been revealed.
The internet business has 750 online learning centres across England and Wales, which are mainly funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
Learndirect was established in 1998 to give people over the age of 16 the opportunity to learn skills in maths and information technology amongst other subjects, in order to help them find jobs.
