Outsource wins Ofsted seal of approval

Leading apprenticeship and education provider Outsource has been praised by Ofsted for its positive impact on young people and its strong relationships with employers.

The West London-based provider of innovative training, education and recruitment has been graded as “Good” following an inspection at the end of January.

Outsource Vocational Learning, which became part of Essex-based Seetec Group last year, delivers training and qualifications to learners employed in some of the UK’s largest and most successful organisations including British Airways, Sky, GLA, Government Communication Services (GCS), Metropolitan Police Service and Mediacom.

Ofsted’s report highlighted that apprentices were making very good progress and contributing successfully to their companies. It said: “Teaching and learning are very effective with employers and assessors providing very effective off and on the job coaching and training for all apprenticeships”. 

The inspectors also found that apprentices are “highly motivated” and “assessors provide apprentices with very close support”. 

The report recognised the close relationship between employers and Outsource staff to ensure that apprentices have good opportunities to develop by experiencing a range of relevant work tasks.

Ofsted commented: “All of the employer representatives who met with inspectors were highly complimentary about Outsource’s very positive impact on apprentices’ skills development, and ultimately on their businesses”.

The report added that “apprentices were developing their self-confidence through a good understanding of the principles and practice of customer service at work.”

Nichola Hay, Director of Outsource, said she was delighted with the outcome: “The comments reflect the hard work and professionalism of all the team at Outsource and recognise the impact of our close collaboration with employers”.

John Baumback, Seetec Group Managing Director said: “Ofsted has recognised the professionalism and hard work of our leadership team, assessors, apprentices and employers. The inspectors also noted the achievements of our apprentices, with the majority going on to full time employment on completion of their programme.

“Outsource’s strong commitment to the personal progression of each apprentice shines through and means that employers are highly complimentary about the impact of the apprentices on their businesses”. 

The report also confirmed that safeguarding was effective and that the leadership team ensures safeguarding arrangements are fit for purpose.  It said apprentices feel safe, and confident about how to report a safeguarding concern. “Apprentices know how to keep themselves safe at work, including when they are working online”.

Outsource was previously inspected in November 2012.