A TRAINING provider is planning to open a drop-in centre in the middle of Bradford.

Qube learning specialises in vocational courses, short courses and e-learning, and has announced that it will be expanding its trainee and apprenticeship programme in the

city.

The group has applied for planning permission to convert a former optician’s in Rawson Square into a ‘kickstart training centre’.

If the plans for the unit, on a pedestrianised area and next to a passage leading to John Street, are approved, Qube hopes to have the centre open by the end of the year.

It will make it easier for people in Bradford to access the group’s training services.

Qube already works with a number of employers across the district to find work, and to boost staff’s existing skills.

The unit subject to the planning application is opposite Bradford Bakery, which opened last year, and next to Fuse Art Space.

It will be just the second kickstart centre opened by the group – the first opened in Colchester last year.

Adrian Grove, head of commercial and business development, said: “Qube Learning have identified Bradford as the place for our second Kickstart training centre.

“Bradford is going through a massive regeneration at the moment and we feel there will be opportunities to help grow our traineeship and apprenticeship provision within the city.

“We already have a number of established employers within the city, providing opportunities for young people within the care, childcare and retail sectors.

“We have applied for change of use planning permission on 9 Rawson Place and have been told by a Council official that a decision should be made by mid-October.

“If planning permission is granted we hope to have the centre open by the end of the year.

“The centre will consist of a large reception area, a training room, two interview rooms and comes equipped with a kitchen area and toilet with disabled access.

“Once up and running the centre will be open to anyone looking for training to enable them to gain employment or gain new skills to help progression within their existing employment.”