Intertrain celebrates Ofsted recognition

Intertrain, a City & Guilds business, are proud to announce that they have been awarded a ‘Good’ provider accreditation from Ofsted. Ofsted inspects institutions providing education and skills for learners of all ages to ensure that they are delivering training which meets the high standards set by the Government.

The Ofsted report on Intertrain stated that “Apprentices and learners benefit from high-quality training delivered by experienced and well-qualified trainer assessors. They quickly develop essential knowledge skills and behaviours that they need to work in the rail industry. Apprentices and learners experience a culture of high expectations. They are enthusiastic, positive, and keen to learn and do well in both their training and workplaces.”

Intertrain were praised by Ofsted for planning a curriculum to meet training needs and addressing the skill shortages in the rail infrastructure industry. Employers value the training that their apprentices receive and the responsiveness of leaders in ensuring that the training covers essential subjects. All safeguarding arrangements were commended as effective.

Alex Pond, Managing Director at Intertrain said, “We are delighted to have been graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted, meaning that we are one of the most highly rated providers in the rail training market.

“Despite the impact of the pandemic, over the last few years we have continued to provide high quality training in classrooms, both on track and online. And thanks to being part of City & Guilds, we have also been able to focus on investing in developing innovative new programmes to enhance our offer and commitment to rail training – driving up efficiencies and driving down the cost to our customers. Our work will be critical in meeting the increased demand for highly skilled rail professionals in the years ahead.”

The criteria for an Ofsted ‘Good’ grade include evidence of the education being of a good standard and that safeguarding is effective. Inspectors this year considered how approaches to learning have been adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This encouraging news follows a successful year for Intertrain with the launch of the industry’s first Skills Bootcamps and Traineeships. Programmes such as the Traineeships and Skills Bootcamps have assisted in bridging skills gaps and opening up a new talent pool to the rail industry.

Throughout 2022 Intertrain and City & Guilds will be expanding their portfolio of training programmes within the rail industry, with a focus on Railway Technical and Health and Safety disciplines.