Defence award for Sponge

Leading elearning provider, Sponge has been given an award by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in recognition of its effort to support people leaving the Armed Forces.

The company, based at Plymouth Science Park, has been presented with a Bronze Award as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme which rewards UK employers for their support and commitment towards the Armed Forces. 

Managing Director of Sponge, Louise Pasterfield, said: “There is a proud military tradition in the Westcountry and we are pleased to do our bit to support service men and women and their families.

“We are expanding as a company and looking for talented individuals to join our award-winning team. We’ve been working with partner organisations to raise awareness among those leaving military service of the exciting career opportunities at Sponge.”

The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched by the Prime Minister in July 2014 to recognise employers who actively support Defence and encourage organisations to adopt the same behaviours in their workplace. Jon Beake, Wessex Employer Engagement Director at Wessex Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA), said: “I am delighted with the positive response to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

“Sponge are among the first in Plymouth to gain an award following their support for the Armed Forces Community, including Reservists, Armed Forces Veterans and their families, and Cadets. I am looking forward to working with them and other businesses across Plymouth and the South West to shape their pledges and build further support for mutual benefit.”

Sponge makes custom-made elearning for large organisations such as Tesco, Toyota, the United Nations, GlaxoSmithKline and the NHS. The company is currently recruiting for visual designers, instructional designers, elearning developers, software developers, project managers, and an accountant. Around 50 new jobs are due to be created by Sponge in 2015 as part of expansion plans to grow new markets.

Sponge was named Elearning Development Company of the Year at the Elearning Awards 2014 and bronze winner of Learning Provider of the Year at the Learning Awards 2015.