An apprenticeship provider has been told it "requires improvement".
AJ’s Training, in Lewes, offers apprenticeships nationally in specialist fencing and highways.
In an Ofsted inspection from July 31 to August 2 it was rated good on the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and apprenticeships, but requiring improvement on personal development and leadership and management.
The independent regulator found that “apprentices meet high expectations that staff set” at the training provider, as well as “enjoy their training” and are “enthusiastic and hard working”.
The report states: “Apprentices grow in confidence and resilience because of the training they receive.
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“They benefit from practising their learning in a safe training environment. For example, apprentices learn about excavation techniques to identify underground services such as water or electricity supplies.
“They learn from their mistakes and become increasingly independent in completing intricate work.
“Apprentices feel safe in training and at work. They learn safe working practices to protect themselves from the dangerous sites that they work on.”
Inspectors also reported that “leaders have a clear and ambitious vision to provide high-quality training in specialist fencing standards” as well as engage effectively with the Association of Fencing Industries and Highway England to ensure training is up to date and appropriate.
Safe working practices are also prioritised in training and a range of teaching methods and high-quality, industry standards resources are utilised, inspectors said.
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However, the regulator noted a number of areas for improvement, such as providing closer oversight and support of apprentices’ progress with English and mathematics, as “the vast majority of apprentices do not pass these qualifications”.
Ofsted has also asked the provider to give training on special educational needs and disabilities due to “trainers not consistently identifying or supporting this very small minority of apprentices’ needs”.
Other areas for improvement include improving the consistency of feedback and the provision of careers information, advice and guidance.
A spokesman for AJ’s Training said: “We are a new apprenticeship provider, specialising in highways works and the only apprenticeship provider in England that is approved to run a Vehicle Restraint System fencing pathway.
“Our quality of education was close to outstanding and our behaviour and attitude and quality of apprenticeships are good.
“The rating does not tell the whole picture.”
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