Higher ground for Training 2000

Blackburn-based training provider, Training 2000, has expanded its training facilities through the acquisition of Higher Croft Vocational Centre, supporting the government's ambition to increase provision for 14-19 year olds across the country.

The training provider, which specialises in skills improvement programmes and qualifications, has been delivering high quality programmes for young people and adults for more than 43 years and secured the site in line with its expansion plans. 

Through the centre, Training 2000 will work with schools and apprentices across the region to develop skills in occupational areas including plumbing, joinery and renewable energy, with the end result being a nationally recognised qualification, including GCSEs, BTECs or an Apprenticeship.

Michael Hunt, operations director at Training 2000, commented: "We are thrilled to have secured ownership of the Higher Croft Centre. The building's location is ideal and the quality of the facilities will enable us to increase delivery in the popular construction sectors.

"We are aiming to recruit more than 40 learners before the end of the December and build numbers year-on-year, which forms part of our long-term plan to increase provision across the region."

Training 2000 will run the centre in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council. Councillor Chris Thayne, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for children's services added: "We are delighted to have been able to provide this option as an excellent alternative to closing the facility.

"By entering into a partnership agreement with Training 2000, these exciting new plans aim to safeguard jobs, whilst possibly creating additional employment at the centre and improving the services available for our young people.

"The plans also involve extending delivery to new areas to support an increased number of Apprenticeships and training for local industry. This represents a fantastic opportunity for our young people to give them the necessary skills they will need when looking for employment in the future."

For more information on the range of courses available from Training 2000 at Higher Croft, please call Kevin Bartle, Career Development Manager - Construction on 01254 586 534 or visit www.training2000.co.uk