Mansfield District Council has supported the expansion of a training venture in the town that will help young people gain vital new skills.

ITS College, part of registered charity ITS Group, moved into larger premises at Chaucer House, off Commercial Street, enabling it to double the number of students enrolled on courses and training programmes.

The council awarded ITS Group two grants — a start-up grant of £1,000 last year, when it first opened a Mansfield branch, and a growth grant of £4,000 in September to help marketing, including helping to provide training for its new team, for the move to larger premises.

Deputy mayor Coun Mick Barton said: “It’s great there are more training and education opportunities in Mansfield, thanks to ITS Group.

“It is a crucial part of the council’s overall regeneration vision to improve the educational attainments of residents.”

The courses ITS Group offers include:

Study programme — for students aged 16 to 18, using a vocational route to start a career.

Apprenticeships — for employers wanting to upskill the workforce, combining work with study to gain skills in a specific job.

Adult education programmes — focusing on upskilling adults in English and maths up to Level 2 in functional skills.

Career guidance — including career planning workshops, mock interview days, industry days and individual advice sessions in schools, workplaces or at the Mansfield ITS centre.

Technology and business skills training.

Dr Chris Payne, chief executive for the ITS Group, said: “We are delighted with the support provided by Mansfield District Council, both with grants and, more importantly, advice and guidance.”

For information about council business grants go to https://invest.ashfield-mansfield.com, email [email protected] or call 01623 463499.