Learn Trade Skills has taken an important step in its mission to support the local community by launching a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. This new venture is designed to provide accessible trade skills training and career guidance to residents who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enter the electrical industry.
What Is a Community Interest Company?
A CIC is a special type of company designed for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good. Unlike a standard limited company, a CIC has a legal obligation to demonstrate that its activities benefit the community. This structure ensures that the work carried out by the LTS consultancy is focused on creating real, lasting impact for local people.
The Cheshunt-based CIC will focus on:
- Providing career advice and guidance for people considering a move into the electrical trade
- Offering accessible training pathways for unemployed or underemployed individuals
- Supporting local businesses with workforce development and upskilling programmes
- Partnering with councils and community organisations to reach those who need support most
Why Cheshunt?
Cheshunt sits at the heart of the Broxbourne borough in Hertfordshire, an area that has seen significant investment and development in recent years. The growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the region, combined with pockets of unemployment and underemployment, makes it an ideal location for this type of community initiative.
The area benefits from good transport links, proximity to London, and a strong local economy that increasingly relies on construction, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. All of these sectors need qualified electricians, and the CIC aims to help local residents access the training they need to fill these roles.
How the CIC Will Operate
The consultancy will work alongside the existing Learn Trade Skills training centre to provide a wraparound support service. This goes beyond simply delivering courses and includes:
- One-to-one career consultations to help individuals identify the right training pathway
- Assistance with funding applications including grants, bursaries, and government-backed skills programmes
- Mentoring and ongoing support throughout the training journey and into employment
- Employer engagement to connect trained individuals with local job opportunities
By addressing the barriers that prevent people from accessing training, the CIC aims to create a more inclusive route into the electrical trade.
The Wider Impact
Initiatives like this have a ripple effect throughout the community. When local residents gain qualifications and secure employment in skilled trades, it boosts household incomes, reduces reliance on benefits, and strengthens the local economy. The electrical trade in particular offers strong long-term career prospects, making it a valuable investment for both individuals and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access the services of the CIC? The CIC is open to all residents in the Cheshunt and wider Hertfordshire area. Priority may be given to individuals who face barriers to employment, such as those who are unemployed, on low incomes, or looking to change careers.
Is the training provided by the CIC free? The CIC will work to identify funding sources and subsidies wherever possible. Some services may be offered free of charge depending on individual circumstances and available funding. Contact the team directly for details.
How is this different from the regular LTS training courses? The CIC adds a layer of community support around the training, including career guidance, funding assistance, and mentoring. The training content itself maintains the same high standards as all LTS courses.