New home for Blackpool training academy

Holt Green Training part of the Rosewood Keen Management Services group founded by resort man John Keen in 1994, has moved into The Pavilions off Amy Johnston Way.

It was given its official opening by Blackpool Mayor, Coun Ian Coleman, who said he was delighted to officiate at a company which aimed to raise skill levels in Blackpool where there was such a need.

John Keen said the move for Holt Green from a shared office facility would give it its own space to run its courses.

He said he wanted to show that it does not matter where your are starting out from in life, anyone can improve their employment chances with training.

He said: “Our aim is to change people’s lives here in Blackpool. I have a passion for the Blackpool area.

“Just like so many young people I was never academic and actually left school with just five CSEs.

“I became a father at 19 but went back to college and ended up with a masters degree at 30 in total quality management.

“We are looking to change people’s lives by up-skilling for a better future.

“We place a huge emphasis on training high-quality, industry-experienced staff, delivering training and apprenticeship programmes that are developed with a focus on providing industry led skills and experience.”

He said the group had recently won a contract to deliver first aid training in Dubai.

It had been based in the Ormskirk area but moved to Blackpool three years ago.

“We provide apprenticeships in professional services including health and social care, business administration, childcare, customer services, team leading and Management and also specialise in raising people’s qualifications in English and Mathematics to get them up to a pass level at GCSE which is so important for employers.

“We were really pleased that the mayor had accepted our invitation, it was really important to us to gain support from a local figure who we admire.”