An engineering organisation which has been providing industrial training in Norfolk and beyond for more than 40 years is to close later this year, it has been announced.

Formed in 1967, the East Anglian Group for Industrial Training (EAGIT) provides a wide range of training services to more than 250 companies and has long been regarded as one of East Anglia's premier training organisations for the industrial and commercial sectors.

But bosses of the organisation, based on Hurricane Way, near Norwich Airport, have revealed it is to cease operations as of July 31 when the training centre will close. A statement released by EAGIT said: 'Following careful consideration of the financial position of the business and the forward financial projections and after taking professional advice, it is with great regret that the directors have concluded that the business is not sustainable in its present form.

'However, the combination of increasing costs needed to resource the Ofsted requirements and a decline in demand for traditional engineering apprenticeships has resulted in an untenable trading position.

'In order for the business to meet its liabilities (discharge its responsibilities) the directors have reluctantly decided that EAGIT will need to cease operations as of July 31, 2014, and the training centres will close.'

Bosses at EAGIT said they would continue to deliver a full service to our customers in the intervening period.

The statement added: 'Every effort has been, and continues to be made to avoid closure and explore possibilities with other providers who may be able to ensure that learners who are not able to complete their training by July 31 have the opportunity to do so and to explore any chance of staff redeployment.

'During this period, EAGIT has undertaken to ensure there is minimal disruption to our learners and customers and to maintain the high standard of service it is known for.

'Top priority will be given to ensuring as many learners as possible can complete their training at EAGIT ahead of the closure.

'Discussions with the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and alternative local providers have already begun to secure ongoing training for those who cannot.'

As reported last year, EAGIT was told it was making 'reasonable progress' by Ofsted inspectors on an unannounced monitoring visit having previously being told by inspectors it was 'inadequate'.

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