About us

Learning is always at the heart of what we do, your future is our business. We are an independent training provider based in Suffolk. We offer training across government-funded provisions, including study programmes (including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and apprenticeships, as well as providing an extensive range of commercial training courses.

We understand the importance of high-quality training, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of courses designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Whether you’re an individual looking to kickstart your career or an employer aiming to upskill your workforce, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.

Further Education

Apprenticeships

Commercial
Training

Our values

Memorable. Engaging. Effective.

Memorable

By prioritising memorable training experiences, we ensure long-term success across our programmes. In the Commercial training department, the Emergency First Aid course has seen the highest increase in attendance, indicating strong demand for essential skills. While the IOSH Managing Safely course has also grown, boosting client satisfaction and repeat business. Our educational programmes maintain a very high overall retention rate of 93%, which reflects our commitment to creating engaging environments. An impressive 77% of our apprentices choose to stay with their employer and 75% earn promotions to senior positions.

Engaging

Engagement is crucial for delivering quality training and maximising impact. In our Commercial training department, we have integrated technological advances and hybrid learning solutions to create more interactive and accessible courses. In Education, current attendance is very high at 83%, with punctuality rates at an impressive 97%, demonstrating our ability to keep students engaged. Additionally, both apprentices and employers rate their experience as "good" or better at 95%, highlighting the effectiveness of our training and support.

Effective

Effectiveness is reflected in our impressive pass rates across various training programmes. In our Commercial training department, pass rates consistently exceed national averages, highlighting the quality of instruction and the effectiveness of our trainers. For our Supported Learning Centres, the overall achievement rate stands at an impressive 83.5%, showcasing our commitment to learners achievement. We also support career progression, with 92% of our apprentices securing a full-time job upon completing their apprenticeship. Plus, 80% experience a salary boost of over £1,000, while 78% see an increase in their wages, which shows how effective our apprenticeships are.

History of WS Training

1995

WS Training founded

Jane Wood founded West Suffolk Training in 1995, operating the business from her home. Initially, the company focused on providing commercial training services for the construction industry.

1996

First apprenticeship programme

In 1996, the first apprenticeship programme commenced, which represented the beginning of the vocational learning department.

1996

Obtaining premises

Also in 1996, the first training centre was established in Fornham All Saints, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, which contained both training facilities and office space.

1999

Acquisition of HTS

In 1999 WS Training Limited purchased HTS, a training company based in Haverhill and opened Weavers Mills, a purpose-designed training centre, in Haverhill town.

2000

West Suffolk Training → WS Training

In November 2000 the company, West Suffolk Training, changed its name to WS Training Limited.

2007

Rebranding

In January 2007, the company underwent a major rebranding, which reflects the brand logo you know and see today.

2008

Manor Barn headquarters

In April 2008, the company moved from Fornham to Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Manor Barn was a sole occupancy, refurbished barn complex and was officially opened by Michelle Dewberry (second ever winner of Sir Alan Sugar’s “The Apprentice”).

2008

WS Training hair academy

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.

2009

Apprenticeship award nomination

In 2009 WS Training Limited was nominated the Apprenticeship Provider of the Year by the Learning and Skills Council.

2013

New offerings

In 2013, WS Training Central, based in Cromwell Court, Ipswich, opened providing Study Programmes.

2014

Rapid expansion

WS Training Central expanded and relocated to Fore Street, Ipswich, Suffolk. 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.

2019

25th year & change of CEO

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.

2020

Adapting to the new normal

WS Training quickly adapted and grew its 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 training expanded, delivering courses to delegates nationally and internationally via virtual platforms. WS Training also expanded its offering in Colchester with Next Steps and Traineeship Programmes.

2021

Bigger and better

In 2021 WS Training Supported Learning Centre (previously ‘Central’) relocated to IP City enabling the creation of tailor-made workspaces, providing the perfect learning environment.

2021

Ofsted grade 2 ‘Good’

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.

2024

Launch of our new website

In 2024, WS Training updated and launched its brand-new website. The overall appearance changed, but the company values and logo remained the same.