A Blackburn apprenticeship scheme, which is bridging the gaps facing the engineering industry, was lauded by Ofsted following an inspection.
The scheme, which is run by the WEC Group, was inspected on December 17 and 18, following its decision to deliver an apprenticeship programme.
Analysing the success of the apprenticeship provision, the quality of the training and the arrangements for safeguarding, Ofsted said the company was making ‘significant progress’.
In their report, inspectors said: “Leaders have designed an ambitious level 3 plate welder apprenticeship.
"This helps them to bridge the skills gaps facing the engineering industry, meet the needs of their business and support apprentices in their locality to start a rewarding career in engineering.
“Leaders are passionate to develop the next generation of world-class engineers. They ensure apprentices receive high-quality training from instructors who have substantial engineering experience.
“Apprentices practise their skills and apply their knowledge in well-equipped workshops and through using high-quality resources.”
Additionally, apprentices who have additional learning needs, including dyslexia and autism, received effective support and these students use assistive technology and are given additional time to complete assessments.
Leaders were said to have designed a curriculum that extends beyond the apprenticeship and has arranged numerous opportunities for apprentices to be involved in the community – including helping an artist to design a sculpture for the moorlands.
Effective quality assurance processes are said to assess the quality of training, and they respond quickly to any areas of improvement they identify.
Governance was also praised, with employees having a range of valuable skills in engineering, education and human resources.
Inspectors added: “Leaders carefully structure the curriculum so that apprentices acquire the substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours they need.
“Apprentices first learn about metal active gas welding, as this is the most common process used in the industry, before moving on to tungsten inert gas welding. Apprentices apply these different techniques to a range of different joints.
“Instructors effectively integrate English and mathematics into the curriculum, so that apprentices continually develop these skills. Apprentices confidently use a range of mathematical formulae in their daily work.
“Leaders ensure that apprentices’ on- and off-the-job training is well coordinated. Instructors compile thorough training plans to support apprentices during their placements.
“They work closely with employers to ensure apprentices complete specific activities to further develop their skills.”
There was said to be excellent oversight of the progress apprentices make, who were said to benefit from instructors’ comprehensive reviews of their progress, with apprentices knowing how they need to improve.
Instructors were said to use a range of assessment tools to monitor apprentices’ understanding and to address misconceptions they might have.
Students are well prepared for their final assessment and produce high-quality work which includes comprehensive, reflective accounts of their learning.
A positive culture around safeguarding has been well established, and there is a designated lead, deputy and wider team, meaning all staff receive suitable training.
Leaders have ensured that they can protect themselves from risk and invite local services to talk about pertinent topics including drink and drug driving, knife crime and county lines.
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