NEW jobs are being created at an online learning company to cope with continuing growth in demand for its courses.

Ilkley- based Virtual College, which has more than 100 staff , is looking to hire 25 extra people . The expansion comes as the firm marks its 20th anniversary .

VBirtual College, which was a pioneer in the e-learning arena, has a range of jobs available at all levels covering technical, sales and administration roles.

Chief executive Rob Knox said: “In June 2013, we celebrated one million online learners.

“Since then the number has increased to 1.7 million - a huge increase of 70 per cent - in just two years.”

Fiona Robinson, HR manager, added:” We work in a rapidly changing sector working on exciting, cutting edge projects for organisations from the NHS and Home Office to courses for schools and caterers.

“The chances are that you or someone in your family has already taken one of our online courses and if you haven’t already – you will soon. ”

Founded in 1995, Virtual College offer more than 300 online courses and is attracting more than 1,000 new learners a day from both public and private sector organisations. . Virtual College was named last year among Europe’s top 20 e-learning companies in the European EdTech 20 listing.

The company has a target of teaching 20 million learners by 2020 and be the UK’s number one provider of remote vocational courses.

Rob Knox, said: “This was a strong endorsement of the company’s innovation and strategy to build more meaningful e-learning for companies and learners. "

More information on the vacancies is available on the Virtual College web site at virtual-college.co.uk and job seekers should send their CVs to careers@virtual-college.co.uk.

Virtual College was among local technology businesses visited by Lord Patel of Bradford who chairs the Producer City board and is a leading ambassador for the city.

He was on a fact-finding mission with Gina Glot, Bradford Council's principal regeneration co-ordinator, in a bid to build closer links with growing local technology companies.

They also visited Shipley-based BTL Learning & Assessment , a leading provider of assessment systems to universities, awarding bodies, regulators and government bodies, and the Advanced Digital Institute at Saltaire, which provides technology development and design services to new and growing businesses.

All three organisations are chaired by businessman Bob Gomersall, who hosted the visits .