Webs Furniture Training in Nottingham has more people currently in training with them than ever before, with 270 young people and adults currently working towards qualifications on a range of courses.

Intake numbers have seen an increase this year with a 12% rise on last year. There are currently 118 apprentices aged 16-23, 11 young people on a foundation level learning programme and 141 adult learners.

Webs Furniture Training is a national provider of quality apprentice and adult training for the furniture and associated industries with learners working towards gaining City & Guilds and NVQ qualifications. Courses available include cabinet making, frame making, kitchen installation, upholstery, cutting and sewing, wood machining and polishing.

Training director Pete Sisson puts the rise down to a number of factors. “There is no doubt that apprenticeships have been in the spotlight this year, with the Government placing more emphasis on bridging the skills gap. I think this has given apprenticeships added credibility amongst young people who are now considering them as an alternative to college. A major factor facing young people is the financial strain of further education and earning while you learn with an apprenticeship has also become a key benefit.

“Young people also want to know that learning will lead to employment and apprenticeships offer a clear path for them to follow that will provide them with the exact skills their future employers need. Employers are central to learning at Webs and we listen to what they need from their employees, whether it’s a young person starting out or an adult employee upskilling we ensure our training meets everyone’s needs.”

At the end of 2012 Webs opened a new state of the art ￡2.2m training facility which provides high quality teaching space, offices and facilities for the 14 staff and 200 learners. This new facility is also helping to attract apprentices from across the UK.