About Us
The Highland Learning Academy Story
Rooted in the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, HLA’s journey began with our founder, Catherine Sutherland. Faced with the challenge of geographical isolation as she was growing up, Catherine recognised the need for a learning model that transcended boundaries. Thus, the Highland Learning Academy was born — a beacon of opportunity in the remote corners of Scotland (and beyond).
As our courses gained momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic propelled us onto a national stage. What started as a solution for the Highlands became a lifeline for learners across the country. Today, Highland Learning Academy stands as a testament to the power of adaptability and resilience, breaking down barriers to education through both in-person training and virtual classrooms.
Established a decade ago, our mission remains as relevant as ever, guiding us in our commitment to accessible and inclusive education.
Vision
At Highland Learning Academy, we envision a world where education knows no limits. Our vision is to create a one-stop shop for professional and vocational development.
Mission
Our mission is simple yet profound: to unlock the potential within every individual. Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking career advancement or a school leaver embarking on your journey into the workforce, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We aim to eliminate the barriers to learning, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals.
Our Impact
Driven by a passion for excellence, Highland Learning Academy has forged partnerships with employers, schools, and learners alike to deliver professional and vocational learning programmes with accreditation. Our tailored programmes cater to the unique needs of each individual, providing a roadmap to success that is as diverse as our learners themselves.
We pride ourselves on our ability to overcome diverse challenges faced by individuals, whether related to learning styles, personal or work commitments, geographical limitations, or financial constraints. From the bustling streets of Glasgow to the tranquil shores of the Outer Hebrides, our reach knows no bounds. With HLA, you’re not just embarking on a learning journey — you’re joining a like-minded community with professional aspirations and ambition.
Through innovative solutions and unwavering support, we empower individuals to achieve their educational and professional goals.
Our Partners
We work closely with professional accrediting bodies such as the Chartered Management Institute and AAT to provide qualifications across Scotland.
Join Us to Achieve Professional Qualifications
Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and endless possibilities? With Highland Learning Academy, you gain access to a transformative learning experience designed to unlock your full potential, regardless of your background or circumstances.
Studying with the Highland Learning Academy
Not everyone learns the same way, so why should all learning be the same?
Online
Our online Learning Management System provides all the resources you need to gain your qualification. There is a mixture of elearning, reading, ebooks and videos to meet the needs of all learning styles.
Your tutor will be on hand to provide support online, by phone, video link and by email.
Workshop
Our fun learning workshops are a great way to learn with others. Adults learn best in a social setting and it’s a great way to discuss and compare experiences. During Covid 19 we are delivering these workshops via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Blended
Blended is a great way to vary how you study. This works particularly well for more active learning styles. Blended uses a mixture of online learning with workshop learning (face to face or via Zoom or Microsoft Teams). You also have a tutor to support you.
In-House
Some of our most successful programmes have been delivered within organisations. This means the learning is consistent across employees. It reduces time to travel and courses can be tailored to the individual needs of the organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Choose!
Everyone learns in different ways. Some people prefer to study online with minimal support whilst some prefer to meet with their tutor on a regular basis.
To start with you will have a discussion with your tutor and be provided with access to your qualification online. You will then come up with a learning plan to suit your individual needs. Your tutor will support you through the process.
Many of our qualifications can be funded through the apprenticeship scheme. Surprisingly, the apprenticeship scheme is actually for ALL ages of employees. Some qualifications are fully funded, some are part funded through the scheme and part funded by the employer. Check our list of qualifications which may be eligible for funding on our Modern Apprenticeship page by clicking here.
Where your selected qualification cannot be funded through this scheme there are other ways to get some funding or ways to help you pay.
To get started you can either call us on 01349 853037 or email info@virtuallearningacademy.co.uk or click here to contact us.
Our team member will ask for details of the qualification you wish to study, how you wish to fund it, the role you are currently in and the reasons for wishing to undertake it. This will help us to understand if the programme is right for you. You will then be provided with a short application form and we will then set up your course and arrange an induction by phone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams or face to face.
Depending on the qualification you could be online and studying on the same day!
We have considerable experience in supporting candidates who have additional support needs. We are able to adapt learning and assessment according to your requirements.
We are more than happy to discuss any barriers to achieving your qualification that you think you may experience. We will then put a plan in place to support you.
Yes. If your organisation has agreed to pay your costs we will take their details and provide them with an invoice.
If you cancel before being provided with access to our learning content we will refund any monies in full. Once access has been provided we are unable to provide refunds. We would be happy to transfer you to another qualification of your choice should you feel your chosen qualification is not right for you.
That’s no problem, life happens! Let your tutor know as soon you think there may be a delay and we will put a hold on your studies until you can re-start. We can usually extend timescales to support you where needed.
For example, we have had candidates put their qualification whilst they have a baby, get married or even just deal with additional workload. We are happy to support you in any way we can.
