Derby-based training provider Althaus Digital has scooped an ‘outstanding’ rating in its first Ofsted report.
Inspectors lauded the provider for its “high-quality, structured and organised” training in an inspection back in June, which was published today.
The provider works with adult learners and apprentices in digital marketing, IT and cybersecurity, across the Midlands.
At the time of the inspection, it had 211 adult learners on skills bootcamps and 57 apprentices on level three courses in IT solutions and digital marketing. It does not work with any subcontractors.
The provider welcomed the rating and said its mission is “to unleash the digital leaders of tomorrow”.
“We only do that by quality of delivery that matches up to ever-evolving industry demands. This report not only showcases how we’re equipping learners with the skills that they need now, but also how we are providing employers with talented individuals to meet the needs of their businesses in the future, too,” it added.
The report also comes as Althaus Digital records 1000 learners across its programmes for the first time.
‘Well prepared for their next steps’
The report followed a positive monitoring visit in February 2022, and highlighted a “very high” standard of work among the learners and apprentices.
Inspectors said the high standard of courses means learners are all “quickly equipped” with technical skills they can use in the workplace, and that many apprentices stay with their employer at the end of their studies or are promoted. Many of the apprentices also get distinction grades in their studies.
The provider also received praise for its “judicious” management of the “well planned and logically sequenced” curriculums, and its decision to focus on specialisms which its staff are experienced in. Inspectors also highlighted a push to check understanding and commit knowledge to long term memory in the report.
Trainers at the provider are meanwhile “highly experienced” and provide bespoke and specialist online training resources, Ofsted said.
Leaders at the provider were praised too for their “very high expectations and ambitions for staff, learners and apprentices”. Ofsted also pointed to “extensive links” between the provider and employers, which they used to tackle local and regional skills gap. That relationship led to Althaus Digital offering level three courses in cybersecurity after a gap was identified.
Confidence and resilience
Ofsted also highlighted Althaus Digital’s career guidance programme which meant adult learners say they feel well prepared for their next steps. But inspectors also said apprentices do not always receive enough information about their own career progression.
But guidance and support from staff at the provider means learners and apprentices all develop “confidence and resilience” while on their training.
Safeguarding at the provider is also “effective”, while learners know who to go to with any concerns.
On its website, the provider says its aim is to “to become the UK’s number one digitally focused talent solutions provider.”
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