A record number of school leavers have started a demanding 16-week study programme at Kirkdale Industrial Training Services (KITS).
Brighouse-based KITS said 2016 has been the best ever year for attracting “rookie” engineering apprentices – with 110 recruits aged 16 to 18 taking up training.
KITS chief executive David Todhunter said: “The complex study programme is a ‘prefix’ intensive training module to an apprenticeship and will prepare youngsters for full-time employment with local manufacturing and engineering companies throughout Calderdale, Kirklees and wider catchment areas.
“Already, employers have requested 70% of this year’s intake on to the study programme to join their companies as apprentices.
“This is a clear and demonstrable message of confidence from the industry that’s it’s business as usual despite the recent EU referendum outcome and decision to leave the European Union.”
KITS, based at Armytage Road, has 350 apprentices on its mechanical, electrical, fabrication/welding and motor vehicle programmes. It also provides conference facilities, short courses and health and safety consulting.
