ITS (Independent Training Services)

About the Organization

Independent Training Services (ITS) is a leading UK-based training provider offering high-quality education, apprenticeships, and employability programmes to individuals and employers nationwide. Headquartered in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, ITS is part of the Barnsley College Group, one of the largest and most respected further education institutions in the UK.

ITS has over 35 years of experience delivering vocational qualifications and workforce development solutions. The organisation works closely with employers, schools, and job seekers to provide training that supports both personal growth and business performance. Its core purpose is to help people gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to thrive in work—while helping employers build competent, motivated, and productive teams.

Services & Programs

Independent Training Services provides a comprehensive portfolio of training and development programmes designed to meet the needs of individuals, employers, and the wider economy. Its services cover apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, commercial training, and employability support, all aligned with current industry and government standards.

Key programmes and services include:

• Apprenticeships: ITS delivers a wide range of apprenticeships across sectors such as business administration, customer service, childcare, education, health and social care, digital, and management. Each apprenticeship combines on-the-job experience with structured learning and assessment.
• Adult Education Courses: Flexible, government-funded training designed to help adults upskill, retrain, or re-enter the workforce.
• Skills Bootcamps: Intensive short courses in priority growth sectors, helping individuals rapidly develop in-demand technical or digital skills.
• Employability and Pre-Employment Training: Sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPs) and employability support designed to help job seekers gain confidence, job readiness, and industry-relevant qualifications.
• Commercial and Bespoke Training for Employers: Tailored corporate training solutions to meet workforce development needs and support organisational growth.
• Functional Skills: English, maths, and ICT training to support learners in achieving essential core qualifications for further education or employment.

ITS places strong emphasis on accessibility and quality, ensuring every learner receives individualised support to succeed.

Who They Support

Independent Training Services supports a wide range of learners and organisations, including:

• Young people entering the workforce through apprenticeships and traineeships.
• Adults seeking to retrain or upskill for career advancement or career change.
• Job seekers looking to build confidence and gain qualifications that improve employability.
• Employers across multiple sectors who need to develop staff skills and productivity.
• Schools and local authorities seeking vocational pathways for students and young people.

The organisation’s inclusive approach ensures that individuals from all backgrounds have access to training and development opportunities tailored to their goals.

Regional Coverage

Based in Barnsley, ITS operates across Yorkshire and the Humber, with a growing reach throughout the Midlands and North of England. As part of the Barnsley College Group, it benefits from a strong network of regional partnerships and modern training facilities.

ITS also delivers training nationally through remote and blended learning, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for learners and employers regardless of location. This hybrid model enables ITS to support both local and national skills priorities.

Role in the Employment Landscape

Independent Training Services plays a critical role within the UK’s education and employment system by bridging the gap between learning and labour market needs. As both a training provider and workforce development partner, ITS contributes to economic growth by equipping individuals with skills aligned to employer demand.

The organisation’s commitment to quality and inclusion supports government initiatives around lifelong learning, apprenticeships, and workforce re-skilling. By providing relevant, accessible training, ITS helps businesses overcome skills shortages while enabling individuals to achieve sustainable career outcomes.

Summary

Independent Training Services (ITS) is a leading UK training provider based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. With over 35 years of experience, ITS delivers apprenticeships, adult learning, employability training, and bespoke workforce development solutions nationwide. As part of the Barnsley College Group, ITS helps people of all ages gain the skills and confidence needed for career success, while supporting employers to strengthen their teams and grow their organisations.