A Cumbrian training firm has been praised by the education watchdog in its latest report.
Gen2, which has five centres across the county, specialises in the engineering, nuclear and manufacturing sectors and is operated by City & Guilds.
It was visited by Ofsted inspectors from June 18 to June 21. Their report was published this week.
They said: “Learners and apprentices demonstrate commitment and work-ready behaviours. They are polite and respectful and their attendance is high.
“This is because tutors model high professional standards throughout their education and training courses. Learners and apprentices take pride in their work. They are enthusiastic about their achievements and welcome opportunities to share what they have accomplished with others.
“Learners and apprentices develop the significant knowledge, skills, and behaviours that they need to be successful in their careers. Learners and apprentices develop confidence and professional acumen because of what they are taught.”
They added that following a previous inspection, Gen2 has revised its curriculum to focus on training that enables its learners to gain employment.
The report added that while achievement rates were high – most apprentices pass their functional skills English examinations at their first attempt – only half pass their maths examinations at their first attempt.
It added: “While most young people have gained employment or apprenticeships after completing their study programmes, leaders have not ensured that all learners have benefited from work experience, which is an integral part of their course.”
Gen2’s last full inspection, in May 2022, rated it as requiring improvement. A monitoring visit in April 2023 said it was making reasonable progress on the main issues raised in the 2002 visit.
The progress included redeveloping the curriculum, making sure leaders were held to account – which it said had changed the organisation’s culture – improving career guidance and oversight of the quality of training provided.
The latest report added: “Leaders have successfully rectified the areas for improvement from their previous inspection. Leaders consider the well-being and work-life balance of their staff. Tutors generally feel well supported by their managers.”
The latest report said Gen2 could improve by:
- Ensuring that learners on education programmes for young people benefit from effective and suitable work experience placements.
- Ensuring that staff receive sufficient support to continue to help them to improve their teaching and assessment skills.
- Ensuring that leaders rectify the restrictions associated with a large employer to ensure that they have clear and accurate oversight of the progress that their apprentices make at work.
At the time of the inspection, there were 1,302 apprentices studying levels 2 to 6, including a small number of apprentices who are on legacy apprenticeship frameworks. The remainder study at levels 4 to 6.
Just over half of apprentices were aged 16 to 18. There were 35 learners on education programmes for young people studying engineering and 37 adults on skills bootcamps in health and safety and project management.
Craig Smith, managing director of Gen2, said: “This report shows that learners are feeling the positive impact of our training programmes, developing new skills and receiving suitable support to achieve their qualifications. It’s also testament to the commitment and passion of our staff, who ensure that our courses provide pathways to employment and meet regional skills priorities.”
Kirstie Donnelly MBE, chief executive of City & Guilds, said: “Gen2’s inspection outcome demonstrates the quality of its training and the positive experience of its learners, who are acquiring skills which will equip them for careers in key UK employment sectors.
This also means that all three of City & Guilds’ training businesses are now rated as good by Ofsted.”
