Apprenticeship Training Limited receives praise from Ofsted

(01/12/2009)

In its recent Ofsted inspection, Apprenticeship Training Limited (ATL), which provides practical training for Train4TradeSkills received praise from the office for standards in education for the quality of its provision and for its care of students.

The Office for Standards in Education, (Ofsted) regulates and inspects schools, colleges, work-based learning and skills training providers to achieve excellence in education and skills for learners of all ages. The inspection looked at the quality of provision, outcomes for learners, leadership and management, equality and diversity and the safety of learners. The report which has just been published awarded ATL an overall Grade two, the second highest grade possible, and said:

“Apprenticeship Training Limited is a good training company. The success of apprentices is excellent with all learners getting their qualifications in 2008/09. All learners also make excellent progress in developing the key skills of reading, using numbers, communicating and computers.

The quality of teaching and learning is good. Tutors share their knowledge well, with good use of examples from the building services industry. Apprentices appreciate the high quality of the teaching and learning they experience and enjoy their learning and work. Tutors are particularly effective at linking theory to practical activities and in workshop sessions learners receive excellent teaching and guidance.”

The inspectors also remarked that “ATL’s support for apprentices is outstanding and many apprentices significantly improve their literacy and numeracy skills. ATL is very well led by its directors. Leadership is excellent and managers and teaching staff are committed to supporting every learner to achieve their qualification.”

Students who were interviewed by the Ofsted inspectors during the inspection week said they liked being treated like adults and being taught by people who work in the industry with the focus on practical skills. Employers added that they liked the regular feedback from ATL regarding learners’ progress and the comprehensive service, from initial aptitude testing to the completion of an apprentice’s qualifications.

In response to Ofsted’s report, Managing Director, Nick Hayward, says “As one of the first providers inspected under the new inspection framework introduced in September 2009, which many believe makes it much harder for providers to get good grades, I am delighted with the findings of Ofsted. Their report recognises the high standards at ATL and will give learners confidence that ATL is an excellent choice as somewhere to learn their trade.”

Related categories:  Pipes - copper and other metal   Training