The company West Suffolk Training was set up by Jane Wood in 1995 and based from home. The initial service offered was construction based commercial training.
In 1996 the first Apprenticeship Programme commenced which represented the beginning of the Vocational Learning Department. The first training centre was established in Fornham All Saints, Bury St Edmunds, which contained both training facilities and office space.
In 1999 WS Training Limited purchased HTS, a training company based in Haverhill and opened Weavers Mills a purposed designed training centre in the centre of Haverhill town.
In November 2000 the company, West Suffolk Training, changed its name to WS Training Limited.
In 2005 the company expanded its operation into the IP-City Centre - a third training site in Ipswich.
In January 2007 the company underwent a major rebranding, which reflect the brand identity you know and see today.
In April 2008 the company moved from Fornham to Great Barton. Manor Barn was a sole occupancy, recently refurbished barn complex and was officially opened by Michelle Dewberry (second ever winner of Sir Alan Sugar’s “The Apprentice”).
Later in 2008 the company was approached by the Learning and Skills Council to take on an Ipswich based Hairdressing Training School. New premises (Bridge House, Lower Brook Street, Ipswich) were sought for the renamed WS Training Hair Academy.
In 2009 WS Training Limited was nominated the Apprenticeship Provider of the year by the Learning and Skills Council.
In 2013, WS Training Central, based in Cromwell Court, Ipswich, opened providing Study Programmes for 16-24 year olds learners
WS Training Central expanded and re-located to Fore Street, Ipswich. Offering three programmes; Traineeships, Diplomas and ExcelR8 (a SEND provision). Also in this year WS Training launched a new centre in East Hill, Colchester providing a Hair Academy and Employability Skills Study Programme for the local area
After 25 years as CEO Jane Wood handed over the day-to-day executive control to Kirstie Wright. Jane remains involved with the business in the position of Executive Chair.
WS Training quickly adapted and grew it’s remote offering in response to the pandemic. Delivery and learner contact moved online and enabled learning and support to continue throughout national lockdowns and beyond. Commercial expanded, delivering courses to delegates nationally and internationally via virtual platforms. WS Training also expanded it’s offering in Colchester with Next Steps and Traineeship Programmes.
In 2021 WS Training Supported Learning Centre (previously ‘Central’) relocated to IPCity enabling the creation of tailor-made workspaces, providing the perfect learning environment.
WS Training were successful in achieving a Grade 2-Good Ofsted outcome. An ambitious curriculum was developed which was the vehicle to show progress, supporting learners to achieve and ultimately take their next steps towards a fulfilling career.