Training provider sees Ofsted rating improve

Bristol based Lifetime Training, the UK’s largest independent training provider, has restored its Ofsted rating.

The upgrade to Good Rating has reflected substantial improvements to curriculum design and learner experience over recent years.

Providing over 20,000 learners with apprenticeships and training nationwide in key sectors for the UK economy including hospitality, retail, early years and care, Lifetime has made significant investments in technology and learner experience under new leadership.

Over the last few years, Lifetime has worked closely with employers, learners and coaches to ensure training is highly relevant and specific to each role, with 92 per cent of learners now saying the apprenticeship will support them to reach their career goals, and an overall satisfaction rate of 87 per cent.

Other improvements include upgraded support for students with SEND, enabling these students to achieve their apprenticeship in line with their peers, investments in a learner management system and wide-ranging improvements to teaching, feedback mechanisms and methods, enhancing overall learner experience.

David Smith, chief executive at Lifetime, said: “We are delighted with this Grade 2 rating. We’ve made significant investments in quality, technology, and most importantly our people since our last inspection and have ambitious plans for the future. This rating, for us, is validation of that work and the progress we have made to date.

“Workplaces are changing at pace, and we want to ensure that our learners are well-placed to capitalise on this, irrespective of their field and background. As a training provider, our role is to support learners and employer partners alike to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.”

Lucy Auchincloss, partnership development director at Lifetime Training, said: “We are pleased the inspection team recognised the considerable amount of effort which has been focused on improving learning experiences over the last few years. Our partnerships with national employers have continued and grown over the period and are a testament both to our team and to the dedication these employers have to providing life-changing opportunities for their teams. We are excited to progress and grow these partnerships in the years ahead.”

Susan Beasley at HC-One, a long-standing employer partner commented: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Lifetime. This report and grading underpins our experience and is well deserved. It clearly identifies Lifetime’s commitment to learner development and curriculum design which has been instrumental in our long-term partnership and the measurable impact on our colleagues and wider business. We remain committed to working hand in hand and ensuring that every one of our apprentices reaches their full potential”.

Paul Thompson, director of people and learning at Coach Core Foundation also said: “The positive report from Ofsted truly reflects our experiences of working with them. Lifetime’s unwavering commitment to partnering with us to support young adults who face barriers, discrimination, and lack of opportunities has been instrumental in achieving life-changing outcomes.

“By enabling under-represented young people to access inclusive sports apprenticeships, we have together not only changed their lives but also positively impacted the communities they serve. We are incredibly proud of our long-term partnership with Lifetime.”

 

 

 

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