National apprenticeship provider Remit Training has received top marks from Ofsted for the first time.
Inspectors awarded the provider ‘outstanding’ overall in an inspection carried out in early July and published today for its “high-quality” teaching resources and strong partnerships with well-known employers like Scania, Volvo, and Waitrose.
The top rating is the first for the Nottingham-based provider, which was established in 1983, operating under the name ReMIT when it was owned by the Retail Motor Industry Federation.
Now trading as Remit Group, the provider was training 2,296 apprentices at the time of inspection, almost half of which were studying automotive courses. The remaining learners were enrolled in retail, commercial, business and management apprenticeships.
Today’s report said since its last inspection, which was a short inspection in 2018, the company changed its business model to no longer offer adult learning courses or traineeships and it no longer subcontracts. Remit teaches apprentices face-to-face in four training academies across the country and through online learning.
Remit’s chief executive Sue Pittock said the achievement was a “testament to the exemplary teamwork seen among our apprentices, clients and colleagues” and has been made in the face of a “very challenging environment for apprenticeship training providers”.
Ofsted’s report said that apprentices’ behaviour and attitudes to learning were of a very high standard, especially young learners living away from home, some for the first time, to attend block learning weeks.
“They work productively and show respect for their development coaches and their peers. They talk positively about their learning experiences and how this supports them well for their future careers,” inspectors noted.
They also praised apprentices’ involvement in competitions to showcase their skills, such as WorldSkills. “These competitions recognise apprentices’ success very well and inspire others to take part,” the report said.
‘Very committed’ to staff development
Inspectors found Remit was “very committed” to staff development by giving access to professional development courses to development coaches, for example.
Ofsted noted how effectively development coaches plan the topics they teach in a logical and considered order so that apprentices can effectively build their knowledge over time.
Inspectors also observed that Remit’s automotive apprentices learn in “exceptionally equipped classrooms and workshops that match the latest industry standards”.
Pittock, who was made an OBE in the 2023 new year honours list, said: “Our apprentices never fail to impress with their enthusiasm and commitment to their apprenticeship, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
“A massive heartfelt thank-you goes to our amazing Remit Training colleagues.”
The watchdog commended the provider’s relationship with employers, highlighting its consultation with automotive employers at the development stage of apprenticeships to decide the content, training methods and timetabling.
Pittock said the rating was welcome amidst a “challenging environment” for apprenticeship providers.
“The sector needs government support with an emergency uplift in apprenticeship funding bands and a reduction in the complexity of functional skills with appropriate funding to support this area,” she added.
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