The Ofsted inspection team inspected GTG, in accordance with the Education Inspection Handbook, interviewed governors, leaders, managers, apprentices, practitioners and employer partners.
GTG is delighted to reveal that it has been judged as a ‘Good Provider’ by Ofsted for apprenticeships in England.
The seven-strong Ofsted inspection team spent four days at the training provider’s Wolverhampton centre, deep diving the provision and interviewing stakeholders before delivering the outcome.
A culmination of the team’s hard work and dedication, the result is reflective of GTG’s commitment, passion and efforts to improve, as well as their desire to offer a high-quality and innovative learning experience to those who wish to progress their career in the automotive and logistic sectors.
So, what is Ofsted?
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect services which provide education and skills for learners of all ages, with an aim of raising standards in education and children’s social care.
They inspect and regulate thousands of organisations and individuals providing education, training and care – from childminders to universities, schools to local authorities – and they share their findings. They report directly to Parliament, parents, carers and commissioners.
How did GTG achieve their grading?
GTG’s aim has always been to nurture and develop learners so they are better equipped in their current and future career. Following the feedback received at their Ofsted inspection in 2019, a great deal of progress has been made to improve the learner’s experience: for example, setting S.M.A.R.T targets for workplace activity and taking a more holistic approach to validating learner’s progress.
From the June 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged GTG across the criteria set within the EIF, for apprenticeships:
- The quality of education
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Personal development
- Leadership and management
Going into greater detail, GTG’s carefully planned and sequenced curriculum was recognised as extending learners’ skills, knowledge, and behaviours beyond the requirements of their respective apprenticeships. This included a special mention of the dedicated training unit set up for working safely on electric hybrid vehicles – ensuring that learners are prepared for future advances in technology.
It was also recognised that learners are supported to understand the potential next steps available to them upon completion of their apprenticeship ensuring that that they can meet their future career goals. Meanwhile, GTG’s strong and effective relationships with employer partners ensure that curriculum meets the needs of learners and the business.
Ofsted found that GTG’s governors and leaders have a clear vision and high ambition for learners and recognised their swift response to the pandemic, which allowed learners to continue learning online effectively. A key part of the inspection was identifying the effectiveness of GTG’s safeguarding arrangements, with Ofsted reporting ‘clear and appropriately detailed’ policies and procedures which ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of learners as a high priority.
Speaking about the result, Billy Hammond, GTG’s Operations Director, said: “This has taken a huge amount of effort and dedication from the staff at GTG and lots of support from the employer partners we work with. Without their help, we could not have achieved this grade.
Automotive and Logistics are the two main sectors we work in, and, like many other providers, we have had to adapt our curriculum during the lockdown periods of COVID-19. We have had to modify our programmes rapidly to change how we teach subjects; moving from practical, face-to-face teaching to online, while trying to keep learners engaged in their programmes and to stimulate them to new ways of learning.”
Highlighting that this was very much a team effort, he added: “I am very proud of all the delivery staff and development coaches, especially with how they adapted and met the challenges head on.”
“The management team have worked tirelessly to re-sequence learning and address learning gaps, despite the lack of practical tasks that we were able to carry out for a considerable period.”
“Support from employers and learners has been great. We have had to overcome what seems to be mountains at times, never mind hurdles, but with real effort from all the staff, I am proud of everyone’s effort.”
“We have a Governance Board in place to challenge and support us and I would like to thank all of them for the time they commit to us to ensure we deliver quality programmes for our learners.”
Speaking about the overall inspection experience, he said “To have seven inspectors with you for four days is a nerve-wracking experience. I am grateful for all the employer partners that supported the inspection and, of course, the apprentices for their commitment to their studies at GTG Training.”
What’s next for GTG?
GTG’s business plan makes clear the aims of the organisation, becoming the ‘training provider of choice’ in the automotive and logistics sectors across the UK. There are also plans to enhance the company’s profile across the events, retail, and construction sectors.
This will be achieved through a great deal of strategic planning and oversight; for example, forming a robust marketing plan, engaging with local communities, building, and maintaining long-standing partnerships and listening to clients’ needs.
GTG has already achieved one key aim in developing a Bus & Coach and Heavy Maintenance programme, providing the best possible learning experience to those looking to start a career and progress within this sector. GTG will continue to engage with the UK’s largest employer groups to establish a sustainable future for GTG’s apprenticeship provision.