Couple the right fit for training centre

HAERE MAI: New Training for You owner Mike Kelleher seals the deal with Denise Scott-Lister while staff look on.PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

Whanganui private training provider Training For You has new owners and the handover was formalised with a ceremony on Tuesday.

Training for You owner Denise Scott-Lister sold the business to Wellington couple Mike and Louise Kelleher, who are owners of Wellington-based Capital Training.

Capital Training specialise in foundation courses in practical skills along with workplace literacy and numeracy. It has training sites on Wellington's Lambton Quay, in Kapiti and the Hutt Valley.

Ms Scott-Lister said she has plans to undertake international travel in 2018 and was thinking about selling Training for You closer to that time but the Kellehers came up with the right offer and philosophy.

"Mike and Louise are the right fit so while the timing was much earlier than planned, securing the right people to lead Training For You was more important than it being the perfect time," she said.

"It was always going to be important to find the 'right' buyer who shared the company values, educational philosophy and ideas around workplace culture."

Ms Scott-Lister will continue to work as a business consultant for the Kellehers four days a week until September to ensure a smooth transition of the leadership.

All current Training for You staff will be retained and it will be "business as usual for students and staff".

Mrs Kelleher attended the "handing-over-the baton" ceremony on Tuesday. It began with a powhiri, which was attended by staff and key stakeholders.

She accepted a large photo of staff printed on canvas and the key to the front door of the Ingestre St campus.

Mike Kelleher was unable to attend the ceremony due to the death of a staff member from Capital Training, in Wellington.