Strabane and the North West’s leading training organisations have announced that they are to join forces to create a new training and employment partnership.

Customized Training Services and Strabane Training Services Ltd. will will operate a strategic alliance with well-known local businessman Kieran Kennedy as Chairman. Mia Coyle current General Manager of Strabane Training Services will join the Board and assume the role of Managing Director.

The strategic marriage of both organisations is aimed at providing improved training opportunities for young people and the unemployed at their locations in Strabane, Derry, Coleraine, Omagh and Enniskillen. Kieran is well known in business circles as the Managing Director of O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. Kieran was also recently appointed to the board of Invest NI. Commenting on the announcement Kieran commented:

“I have been on the board of Strabane Training Services for over 30 years and our strategy has been to enhance the programmes available to young people and grow geographically. Customized Training Services has had many years of success working with the unemployed and young people. They cover a much wider area across the North and therefore this is a perfect fit for both organisations. We have held very constructive discussions with the Board of Customised Training Services who shared our vision of upskilling our young people and unemployed to create jobs both here in Strabane, the North West and further afield. I look forward to enhancing the reach and capabilities of this new partnership”.