Training centre for teenagers closes suddenly
ONE of the largest training centres for teenagers hoping to take up a trade has shut suddenly.
Kirkdale Industrial Training Services (KITS) at Brighouse was a vocational training centre offering apprenticeships and short courses in engineering, electrics, health and safety and first aid.
The Armytage Road firm, not far from Brighouse train station, described itself as “arguably, the largest and most successful private Engineering Apprentice Training Provider in West Yorkshire”.
But it has now confirmed it ceased trading at the end of June.
No specific reason was given by a spokesperson when contacted by the Examiner.
They commented that it had closed “due to an extremely difficult trading and operating environment”.
They added: “The Board have agreed very regrettably, to the voluntary winding up of the training business due to a number of significant impacts on business.”
One parent said the closure had left their son high and dry.
Richard Jones said: “My son was due to start an apprenticeship at the end of July and had already had two assessments and an interview over the last few months.
“Only three weeks ago he was at KITS with some other new students, discussing his apprenticeship and start dates.
“On Tuesday we received a very uninformative letter stating that his course was longer being run by KITS and we had to get in touch with Kirklees career advice for help.
“As you can imagine I find this shocking and upsetting as an apprenticeship is everything my son wanted.
“KITS was ideal for this as they guaranteed a company to work with during the apprenticeship but now we have no company and no course.”
Louise Nellist, head of service at Huddersfield based C&K careers, confirmed they were involved in arranging new placements for school leavers. She urged people affected to get in touch with them.
She said: “It was a shock to us that KITS has closed, it was really sudden, literally happening this week.
“It’s really sad as they were a well respected training provider.”
She added: “People have been referred to us and we’ve been contacting young people to support them. We can help secure them alternative training.
“Any parents or employers that need help should get in touch and we’ll sort them out. Call us on 01484 213856 or email chat@ckcareers. co.uk”.
Kirklees and Calderdale councils were both approached for comment.