One of the industry’s leading training centres for apprentices is making progress in upgrading its teaching and support, according to the education watchdog.
Ofsted revealed that the National Construction College (NCC) in Norfolk made a number of changes, including to its curriculum, marking and careers guidance, after being given a ‘requires improvement’ rating in May last year.
The latest monitoring visit report also revealed changes in support for learners who fall behind in their studies. They are now quickly identified with a ‘forensic’ approach to monitoring.
“Leaders have implemented rigorous quality processes that enable them to make improvements in the quality of education that apprentices receive,” Ofsted said.
It added: “Since the previous inspection, the members of the newly formed leadership team have worked highly effectively with apprentices.”
The visit is the latest stage of a recovery programme started by the college – which is part of the Construction Industry Training Board – following the critical inspection findings last year.
The college was ordered to tackle failings in six areas, including development coaches, marked work and feedback, and English and mathematics.
The centre has a significant number of learners on its books. According to Ofsted, at the time of the latest visit on 19 and 20 June this year, 412 apprentices were in learning.
Of those, 340 were studying at level 2 and the remainder at level 3. About half were under the age of 19.
The provider had 198 apprentices for level 2 scaffolder, 35 for level 2 land-based service engineer, 29 for level 2 groundworker and 72 for level 3 land-based service engineering technician.
Most of the remaining apprentices were studying for level 2 lightning protection operative, construction plant operative, lifting technician or interior systems installer roles.
The college said the changes were already having an impact, with retention rates now at more than 80 per cent.
NCC executive principal Kirsty Evans said: “A core focus in our improvement programme has been to revitalise the experience for apprentices and provide them with clearer guidance for career pathways and progression in the construction industry.
“We have ambitious plans to continue growing our apprenticeship and commercial provision to meet demand from employers, and to support the construction industry to have the skills it needs to grow and prosper in what is an exciting time for the industry.”
