The University of Worcester has received a glowing report from Ofsted for its apprenticeship training delivery, following a New Provider Monitoring Visit.
The University of Worcester's St John's Campus
Inspectors looked at the University’s leadership and management, its provision of high-quality education or training, and ensuring effective safeguarding arrangements.
In their report, the Inspectors commented that: “Leaders use thorough quality assurance procedures to ensure that apprentices receive a high-quality learning experience,” and added: “Leaders have widened the opportunity for apprentices to return to study. Apprentices can see how the apprenticeship has removed barriers to learning and value highly the opportunity to advance their careers. They recognise the career paths that are now available to them.”
The outcome of the report places the University in the top 10% of the 668 providers who up to the end of May 2021 have so far received a New Provide Monitoring Visit, in two out of the three areas of inspection.
Professor Sarah Greer, the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost, said: “We are very pleased to have received such a positive report following our very first visit from Ofsted, looking at our delivery of apprenticeships.
“The University’s apprenticeship provision has been developed alongside both practice providers and business experts and offers an outstanding education to individuals looking to advance or change careers.”
The Inspection looked at the University’s delivery of the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship and the Senior Leader Masters Apprenticeship, noting that both provide excellent placement and work-based learning opportunities.
The report stated: “Apprentices on the nursing associate apprenticeship complete additional work placements in different clinical settings. In some cases, these work placements take place in different NHS trusts or health care providers, enhancing and widening apprentices’ learning experiences.
Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: “I was proud to see the University of Worcester take up apprenticeship provision as it equips students to go straight from graduation into employment with the wider skills and confidence they need to make a success of their new vocations. I know that during the pandemic healthcare students have stepped up and taken on real responsibility, which has helped contribute to the national Covid effort.
“As a new provider of apprenticeships, ‘significant progress’ is the highest praise the University could receive and it is a direct result of hard work from all involved. I met with the University’s leaders recently and saw first-hand how their partnerships contribute to an all-round quality education.
“This recognition is well deserved and the report is a further reason, if any were needed, that when looking for high quality education you don’t need to look further than Worcester!”
Graduates of the University of Worcester are among the most employable in the Country – the University is in the top 10 for ‘Sustained employment with or without further study’ in the most recent Longitudinal Educational Outcomes data – and apprenticeships are part of a wide range of courses with a focus on employability.