OFSTED Success for Markerstudy Group’s Award-winning ALEX #Apprenticeship

Markerstudy Group is celebrating its first OFSTED results, having been highly commended for its award-winning ALEX (Apprenticeship Learning EXperience) programme.

Bucking the trend for new providers across the UK, where one in five are judged to have made “Insufficient Progress”, the Group demonstrated progress in all areas, from effectively safeguarding young people to delivering high-quality learning opportunities. The lead inspector commented: “Apprentices enrol on a programme that will equip them with new skills, behaviours and attitudes that will benefit them and their employer.”

Interviews, data analysis and Q&A sessions with the ALEX leadership team were held, along with further meetings with managers from the business, during the three-day inspection at the Group’s Chesterfield site. Apprentices were also interviewed and observed during training sessions.

Ewan Freeman, Markerstudy Group’s Apprenticeship Programme Manager, commented: “We have strived to go above and beyond in creating enhanced apprenticeships and are extremely proud that OFSTED has recognised our achievements. In particular, they complemented us on our enrichment training, including an Institute of Customer Service (ICS) qualification and an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Young Leader Award.”

The Group currently employs 28 apprentices, seven of whom are in customer service roles within its Group Contact Centre, while 15 are studying management apprenticeships. The remaining six hold trainee automotive glazing technician positions at Auto Windscreens, which is also part of the Group. All will complete a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship in their chosen subject area before graduating the ALEX scheme.

Ewan added: “The apprentices we’ve recruited have added significant value to our business and we want to keep developing the programme to benefit both them and the Group. The OFSTED report confirmed our strengths and we have already put in place improvements to advance ALEX further.”

Markerstudy Group first introduced apprenticeships in 2017 and in the same year picked up ‘Large Newcomer of the Year’ at the North Midlands & South Yorkshire Apprentice Awards, as well as receiving a special commendation in the ‘Training Provider of the Year’ category. Following its initial success and the difference that the programme has already made across the company, new qualifications and opportunities are now being added to ALEX.

About Markerstudy Group of Companies (MSG): A privately-owned UK organisation headquartered in Kent and employing over 3,000 employees. Established in 2001, it has been recognised as a Best Company to Work For in the UK at The Sunday Times Best Companies Awards for five consecutive years and was a Top 5 company in 2017 in the Best Big Companies category.