Gi Group and Tack TMI apprenticeship training programmes secure second successive Good rating from Ofsted

Tack TMI, 08th August 2022 

Gi Group and Tack TMI apprenticeship programmes secure second successive Good rating from Ofsted

Gi Group have been delivering apprenticeship training programmes since 2013. Working in partnership with sister company, Tack TMI, Gi Group have developed a suite of innovative, industry-relevant, and result-orientated apprenticeship training programmes. The apprenticeship training programmes draw on Tack TMI’s vast experience and expertise in Sales, Leadership and Customer Experience.

In May 2022, Ofsted carried out a full inspection of Gi Groups apprenticeship programmes. As part of the inspection, Ofsted carried out ‘deep dives’ into the Sales Executive Level 4 and Level 3 Business Administrator.

Quality of Education 

Ofsted closely inspected the quality of education, focussing on how leaders and managers ensured a high level of education and training that developed knowledge and skills for future learning and employment.

Gi Group and Tack TMI have extensive learning and development experience and understand the importance of tailored learning to increase success. Ofsted noted, ‘Apprentices benefit highly from leaders’ and managers’ productive links with their employers. These lead to well-planned courses that are tailored to apprentices’ needs.’

The report went on to say that: ‘Apprentices develop significant new knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to both their current roles and their future progression routes.’

As a result of this Ofsted noted that ‘Many apprentices gain promotion or take on additional responsibilities either during their courses, or shortly after they finish.’

We pride ourselves on our ability to truly understand learners needs and tailor programmes to ensure the best possible learning experience and greatest outcome.

To do this effectively, our trainers have extensive subject matter expertise, and are able to present clearly and adapt their approach as necessary.

Ofsted noted, ‘Trainers adjust one-to-one sessions well to meet apprentices’ individual needs, for example to enable them to refine their written answers in assignments. Trainers also use these sessions to provide targeted help to those with additional support needs such as dyslexia.’

As well as a tailored approach, learners can expect high quality support and resources throughout the programme, ‘During both in-person and online classes, trainers present and explain information clearly. They use high-quality resources that link directly to apprentices’ job roles. Trainers check apprentices’ knowledge carefully, including their understanding of previous topics. They use probing questions to test how apprentices apply this knowledge to their jobs. When apprentices reach the latter stages of their courses, trainers use practice tests to identify areas of the curriculum that need extra focus.’

It’s important that learners are able to apply their knowledge effectively in their roles, therefore ‘Leaders and trainers ensure that curriculums are very relevant to individual workplaces.’

Personal Development 

Ofsted assessed the wider personal development of learners and their opportunities for growth and future success.

They commented ‘Leaders provide apprentices with an array of careers advice and guidance.’ and that apprentices ‘develop significant new knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to both their current roles and their future progression routes’

We are proud that ‘Many apprentices gain promotion or take on additional responsibilities either during their courses, or shortly after they finish.’

Behaviours and Attitudes

Ofsted reviewed how leaders and trainers create a calm, safe, orderly, and positive environment for learning and the impact this has on the behaviours and attitudes of learners.

Ofsted noted that apprentices ‘value the professional relationships they have with GI Group’s staff, who they find to be friendly, approachable and supportive. Apprentices study in an inclusive, respectful environment.’

They also noted that ‘Trainers focus on apprentices’ mental and physical well-being as well as their academic progress. They make frequent checks to ensure that apprentices have caring support networks, and know where to get help for their well-being if they need this.’

Leadership and Management

Ofsted reviewed the Leadership and Management team, focussing on how they create an inclusive, supportive learning environment with a clear and ambitious vision for providing high-quality education and training.

In the report, Ofsted noted ‘Governors are supportive of leaders. They have considerable experience of the further education sector, which they use well in their roles. They are determined to improve the quality of courses for the good of apprentices.’

Our leaders engage effectively with learners and draw on their experience and expertise to enhance the learners experience, Ofsted commented ‘Leaders provide apprentices with an array of career advice and guidance. This includes one-to-one coaching and a careers portal. The materials on the portal are of good quality.’

Leaders also focus on improving trainers’ knowledge to elevate the teaching of the curriculum, Ofsted noted that ‘Leaders provide trainers with useful development opportunities. This includes shadowing more experienced colleagues, and training on relevant topics such as neurodiversity or formative assessment.’

Safeguarding

Ofsted paid close attention to how managers and leaders ensure there are effective safeguarding measures in place, they noted that ‘Leaders have implemented appropriate safeguarding processes. This includes suitable safer recruitment checks, and considerable staff and governor training.’

They also noted, ‘Trainers integrate safeguarding-related topics into their training and review sessions. Leaders and managers ensure that apprentices’ line managers understand safeguarding themes and their responsibilities, for example by holding webinars for them on topics such as sexual harassment at work.’

We aim to create an environment where individuals can thrive, enjoy learning and receive the right support. Ofsted noted, ‘Apprentices enjoy their studies and happy with their courses. They value the professional relationships they have with GI Group’s staff, who they find to be friendly, approachable, and supportive. Apprentices study in an inclusive, respectful environment.’

Commenting on the report, Tack TMI’s CEO, Jim O’Brien said ‘Gi Group Recruitment is delighted to have been awarded a “good” grade by Ofsted. It is especially rewarding that Ofsted recognised our apprentices benefit from “studying in an inclusive, respectful environment.”‘ Gi Groups Head of ES&L, Kashmiro Capes-Bhatti also commented ‘What a fantastic achievement for Gi Group Recruitment Ltd. We continue to maintain high standards of our quality of provision in the apprenticeship world.’

Find out more about our apprenticeship training programmes here, or contact a Tack TMI rep today.