Trainee builders, plumbers, electricians and brickies in Bristol can rest assured that they are in safe hands after Bristol City Council’s On Site apprenticeship programme received a positive Ofsted inspection report.
Set up in 1997 to promote the use of local labour in construction and apprenticeships, On Site Bristol is a partnership between Bristol City Council; Jobcentre Plus; the Learning and Skills Council;, Connexions; Construction Skills and the City of Bristol College.
With over 250 young people enrolled at any one time, and an annual in-take of around 100, On Site Bristol works with more than 150 local companies ranging from small and medium-sized businesses to larger national organisations and their sub-contractors. The contribution made by these businesses is vital to the programme.
Ofsted visited the scheme’s offices at Avonquay, Cumberland Basin in Bristol, from September 30 to October 3. The report grades them ‘Good’ (2) across the board.
Key strengths highlighted by the inspectors include:
· Very good overall apprenticeship success rates - success rates for apprentices were 89%, significantly above the national average of 61%.
· Good development of learners' practical skills - The standard of apprentice work is high, they take pride in tasks and feel valued by their employers. Learners receive particularly good support from On Site Project Officers with three female Project Officers on the staff acting as good role models in the male dominated construction industry.
· Excellent links with other providers, employers and other organisations - On Site and partners effectively match learners' and employers' needs, and On Site has a strong strategic direction to attract priority groups of learners.
The full report is available on the Ofsted website’s ‘Inspection Reports’ section under ‘Adult Learning’ at: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/101020/(as)/53736_321481.pdf
Twenty-year-old Matthew Poolman, from Whitchurch, won On Site Bristol’s ‘Apprentice of the Year Award’ at the scheme’s ceremony last May. He was 19 when he was presented with the accolade and had been working for Mitie Engineering Services Ltd as a plumbing apprentice in his second year.
Matthew said the scheme has made a huge difference to him. “I have gained a wide range of new skills and achieved recognition for these through the assessment and examination process.
"My communication skills have improved and I am also developing good project management skills as I start to take increased responsibilities. I have also benefited through a developed understanding of my future career path and am able to set myself very definite goals to achieve this aim.”
Darren Perkins, On Site Project Manager, said: "This fantastic Ofsted inspection result is part of the ongoing process of development at On Site Bristol. I was particularly pleased that HM Inspectors found On Site has excellent partnerships and teamwork. This is a particular strength. On Site, in expanding its apprenticeship programme, is reaching more and more local people and contributing directly to the development of a highly skilled and qualified workforce. I would like to give our thanks to everyone who contributes to supporting On Site throughout the city."
Councillor Helen Holland, Leader of Bristol City Council, added: "On-Site Bristol has been a key partnership for our city for over ten years now, making sure that Bristol young people get the training they need, and that there is a good supply of skilled local labour for contractors and construction firms in our city.
"I am very pleased that Ofsted inspectors have also recognised the excellent work that this important scheme is doing. Ensuring Bristol has a first-class workforce is an essential ingredient for a strong economy in the city, and On Site Bristol is clearly making a difference to young people's job prospects and lives."