National training provider, Baltic Apprenticeships, announced the attainment of an ‘Outstanding’ rating in its most recent Ofsted assessment in August. The award showcases Baltic Apprenticeships’ clear dedication to delivering superior education and training opportunities.
The training provider specialises in delivering national tech and digital programmes, offering apprenticeships in IT, digital marketing, software development, and data analysis. The training provider currently works with 1200+ employers to support 1500+ learners across England.
The training provider partners with an array of local businesses, such as Bondgate IT, ITC Services, and Trade Interchange, and many national companies, such as ASDA, Red Bull, and Hotel Chocolat, to recruit new tech talent and develop their teams tech skills.
The Ofsted report, officially released on Wednesday 13th September 2023, identified Baltic Apprenticeships’ overall effectiveness as Outstanding and outlined their efforts for each assessment area.
Baltic Apprenticeships was rated Outstanding in five evaluated areas in its latest Ofsted report.
Download the Ofsted ReportTony Hobbs, Managing Director of Baltic Apprenticeships, said: “Our focus on tech and digital apprenticeships isn’t just about generating job opportunities, it’s about creating solid career foundations and building the skills modern businesses need. Our Outstanding rating will allow us to further bridge the gap between education and employment, and accelerate our ability to make a real difference to our learners lives and our employers skillsets.”
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Baltic Apprenticeships was graded Outstanding in five assessment areas: Leadership and Management; the Quality of Education; Behaviours and Attitudes; Personal Development; and Apprenticeships.
‘Apprenticeship Curriculum that Meets Business Needs’
Baltic Apprenticeships was celebrated for its Outstanding management team, who work very well with employers to develop an apprenticeship curriculum that meets business needs.
Inspectors applauded the company’s overall curriculum strategy, which is implemented across departments very successfully and builds on senior management’s “extensive knowledge of the labour market” and their “close working relationships with external stakeholders.”
The Ofsted report recognised Baltic Apprenticeships efforts to reflect and review the quality of its apprenticeship programmes, and detailed the use of regular external reports to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
‘Well-structured and Carefully Prepared Sessions’
Baltic Apprenticeships’ quality of education was rated as Outstanding; the course delivery and curriculum received high-praise from inspectors.
Coaches were praised for their “well-structured and carefully prepared sessions” which ensure learners “gain knowledge that they need to be successful in their job roles.” Ofsted inspectors recognised the coaches “technical expertise” and witnessed the impact of their “well-planned training sessions.”
Baltic Apprenticeships’ apprentices and learners recognised the value in their training, utilised support and feedback sessions, and displayed consistently positive attitudes.
‘Highly Effective Personal Development Curriculum’
Baltic Apprenticeships was commended for its Outstanding personal development curriculum, which includes “highly effective” training on topics such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, and fundamental British values.
The personal development curriculum is revisited throughout the duration of the programme, and Baltic Apprenticeships encourage topical discussions through the Baltic Community app, Baltic Live events, and monthly ‘hot topic’ discussions.
Inspectors recognised Baltic Apprenticeships’ efforts to provide high-quality Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion training, which teaches learners to be respectful to colleagues regardless of background. Learners also understood the importance of reporting any bullying or harassment at work that they experience or witness.
Brooke Urwin, Chief Operating Officer at Baltic Apprenticeships, said: “Ofsted inspectors recognised the hard work and effort across the board and commended us on our clear commitment to success, and the positive culture that our team creates. In 2010, as a company we made the decision to focus solely on providing tech and digital training in response to the UK’s emerging digital skills gap. Now, 13 years later, we have solidified our place as tech and digital experts, receiving high-praise from Ofsted for our technical expertise and highly qualified coaches.”
Each of the six assessment areas were meticulously evaluated by Ofsted inspectors across four days at Baltic Apprenticeships’ flagship HQ, located at Pioneer House, Morton Park, Darlington, where it employs 220+ people.
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For more information about Baltic Apprenticeships and its Outstanding Ofsted report result, please contact: Lydia Chilton, Content Marketing Lead at Baltic Apprenticeships, Lydia.Chilton@balticapprenticeships.com