OFSTED GRADE 1 FOR OUR APPRENTICE SCHEMES: Delivering Skills and Competencies for the Future through Continuous Improvement

News Release: Thursday 1 April 2010

Develop Training and National Grid are delighted to announce that following a recent Inspection by OFSTED, National Grid's Gas Apprenticeship programs gained a Grade 1 'outstanding provision' status.

To find out more about this success, Richard Vernon interviewed John Tyler, Transmission Training Delivery Manager of National Grid.

The Inspection which took place in between 19th-22nd January this year and consisted of 16 man days of external inspection that looked at all aspects of 124 Gas and Electrical Apprentice programmes.

What were the main reasons you believe OFSTED extended the Grade 1 status for additional 4 years?

OFSTED & the LSC primarily look for two things. Firstly, there is the evidence of an organisations ability to Continually Improve and secondly, the ability to accurately self-assess the effectiveness of Apprenticeship programs. Through incorporating and maintaining effective and efficient Management Information Systems, NG and Develop were able to provide evidence that the Apprentice programs excelled in both criteria's. This highlights the effectiveness of the regular interaction of DTL and NG staff .

How does this compare to the Grade 1 status initially granted 4 years ago?

Our achievement was even greater this year given that a new, tougher and more rigorous inspection regime was introduced in September 2009. We only received notification of inspection just before the Christmas 2009 holiday, and the severe weather conditions hampered our preparations. Added to this was the fact our learners and workers were questioned through an online survey prior to the inspection taking place, which wasn't the case in 2006.

What is it about NG Apprentices that give such high attainment figures in completion and timely success rates?

Our impressive Induction and Apprenticeship Delivery Programs have granted us a 'Beacon' status by The LSIS (Learning & Skills Improvement Service) in 2009. This puts us in the Top 8% of Learning Providers in the country, including schools and universities. As part of the status, we have to Share Best Practise and our programs are shared with the likes of Eon, EDF Energy etc to name a few. We not only teach the technical aspects to the learners; but we also look after the welfare of the Apprentices the whole time they are in our training centres, in accommodation or on-site. Learner feedback on how they perceive the training is regularly canvassed and the feedback achieved speaks highly of both the learning experience and the fruitful career prospects that lie ahead.

What challenges lie ahead if we are to maintain the standard in future?

From National Grid's perspective, the largest challenge that lies ahead in our learning programs is a greater emphasis on new and proactive behavioural and blended learning styles and practices. The addition of these will improve the experience, knowledge and enjoyment of our learners, resulting in a more 'rounded' individual; as well as a better way of utilising a trainers time through the reduction of classroom learning.

How will you be celebrating the success of the OFSTED Award?

Our Annual Awards Presentation & Dinner is expected to take place this year in July 2010 where we will invite the Develop team of Phil Henderson, Jen Petts, Mike Roberts and Mitch Lane as a sign of appreciation to their efforts in helping us achieve this Grade.

The Future of Apprenticeships

As part of National Grid's Workforce Planning, that looks into predicting their own future staffing requirements, it is thought that the requirement for Gas and Electrical skilled workers within the industry will increase ''significantly''. This will drive the requirement for a range of new and ever improving Technical Training schemes, designed with innovative behavioural competencies embedded in the DNA of all products.

"This is as good at it gets", Tim Hanson, Ofsted Lead Inspector

• Overall Success Rate: 94%
• Timely Success Rate: 92%

(National Average: 40%)