Richmond Council’s apprenticeship offering rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Following an inspection, the Government watchdog Ofsted has concluded that Richmond upon Thames’ apprenticeship provision is a good provider of adult education for residents.

Way2Work is the borough’s professional apprenticeship training provider offering apprenticeship vacancies and full-time job opportunities for young people aged 16+, with local employers who value and encourage them to achieve their full potential. The provision is delivered by Achieving for Children (AfC), which provides children’s services for Richmond Council.

Councillor Penny Frost, Chair of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Education plays a key role in supporting residents on their journey to enter, return and progress in work.

“Quality learning opportunities can do more than boost the economy. They makes the borough more inclusive, providing adults of all ages the chance to upskill and earn high quality employment in the borough they live in.

“That’s why I’m proud to confirm that our educational provision has received recognition for its commitment to training residents and setting the stage for further growth in the borough’s future.”

The Ofsted report, which rates the learning service as ‘Good’, states that a comprehensive curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of apprentices, providing them with a calm learning environment that motivates young people to achieve.

Trainers were also commended for using a range of activities to help learners develop and providing insight into their industries. The report states that teachers explain concepts clearly, so that apprentices and learners can understand increasingly complex ideas.

The Ofsted team found: “Apprentices benefit from effective careers advice and guidance from their assessors/trainers and employers. Many aspire to achieve promotion at work or take higher-level courses. When they complete their apprenticeship, most remain with their current employer or progress to a higher level of study. A high proportion of apprentices who stay to the end of their courses achieve their qualifications.”

Read the full report.

If you are interested in finding out more about available apprenticeships in the borough, visit the Achieving for Children website for more information.