WEC Group Engineering Academy in Blackburn Receives Ofsted Praise

Blackburn: The WEC Group Engineering Academy is making waves! Recently, Ofsted inspected their apprenticeship program and gave them a big thumbs up. They were there on December 17 and 18, checking out how things were going.

Ofsted found that the academy is really stepping up its game. They noted that the apprenticeship program is ambitious and is helping to fill the skills gap in the engineering field. It’s all about giving local apprentices a shot at a great career.

The report highlighted how passionate the leaders are about training the next generation of engineers. They ensure that apprentices get top-notch training from instructors who really know their stuff. The workshops are well-equipped, making it a great place to learn.

What’s cool is that they also support apprentices with additional learning needs. Those with dyslexia or autism get the help they need, including assistive tech and extra time for assessments.

Beyond just the training, the academy encourages apprentices to get involved in the community. They even helped design a sculpture for the moorlands, which is pretty neat!

Ofsted praised their quality assurance processes, saying they’re quick to address any areas that need improvement. The governance is solid too, with staff bringing valuable skills from engineering and education.

Inspectors were impressed with how the curriculum is structured. Apprentices start with metal active gas welding, which is super common in the industry, before moving on to other techniques. They also integrate English and math into the training, which helps apprentices in their daily tasks.

There’s a strong focus on making sure apprentices are ready for their final assessments. They produce high-quality work and reflect on their learning effectively.

Lastly, the academy has a solid culture around safeguarding. They have a dedicated team that ensures everyone is trained and aware of important issues like drug driving and knife crime.